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

During those times, Jeter shared a dugout with some of his archrivals in Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jason Varitek of the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets legend David Wright while simultaneously playing against Bernie Williams and Robinson Cano. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

With Larabee back in the dugout, the Panthers are hoping 2026 provides fewer proverbial black eyes and more laughs. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2026

Besides Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker, who are both employed by the Giants, Vitello said La Russa has taught him the ropes more than anyone in his transition from the University of Tennessee to a major-league dugout. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026

Kelly made a pouty face at Correa, who started walking toward the Dodger dugout. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 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