dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t 

1

: a boat made by hollowing out a large log

2

a

: a shelter dug in a hillside

also : a shelter dug in the ground and roofed with sod

b

: an area in the side of a trench for quarters, storage, or protection

3

: either of two low shelters on either side of and facing a baseball diamond that contain the players' benches

Examples of dugout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Roberts and a trainer came out from the Dodgers’ dugout to check on Wrobleski who hobbled back to the mound, ready to stay in the game. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 12 June 2026

Challenges must be made immediately after the umpire’s call, without assistance from the dugout or other players. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

From serving fast balls to serving up fast food, Pirates players traded the dugout for Sheetz on Friday. —Erika Stanish, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Originally manning the Bernabeu dugout from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho has a similar mission on his hands time round. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dugout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t 

1

: a boat made by hollowing out a log

2

: a shelter dug in a hillside or in the ground

3

: a low shelter facing a baseball diamond and containing the players' bench