designated hitter

noun

Synonyms of designated hitternext
1
: a baseball player designated at the start of the game to bat in place of the pitcher without causing the pitcher to be removed from the game
2

Examples of designated hitter in a Sentence

you'll have to be my designated hitter in the office while I'm on business trips
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yandy Diaz, who was the Opening Day designated hitter a year ago after winning the American League batting crown in 2024, remains on board. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026 First baseman Pete Alonso, 31, signed a five-year, $155-million deal with the Orioles and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who turns 33 in March, signed a five-year, $150-million deal with the Phillies. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 The former hadn’t played the position in any professional capacity until July, while the latter began playing first base in 2024 after being a pitcher and designated hitter at James Madison High School. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025 There will be lots of talk about where starting pitcher Ranger Suárez and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will sign for nine figures each. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for designated hitter

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of designated hitter was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Designated hitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designated%20hitter. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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