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

There’s no doubt that a lack of continuity in the front office and in the dugout has prevented the team from making progress in Steve Cohen’s stated goal of winning the World Series within the first five years of his ownership. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026

The cohort of mostly 70-something players in the dugout rejoiced, waving their caps and hollering. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Both dugouts and bullpens emptied after Contreras walked on an inside pitch. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

Since 2024, the veterans have held in-game dugout sessions to chat about the starter’s outing that day. — Kansas City Star, 25 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