in the dirt
idiom
baseball, of a pitch
: having hit the ground near home plate before reaching the catcher
He swung and missed at a curveball in the dirt.
Examples of in the dirt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After home plate umpire Scott Barry signaled Chisholm safe at the plate, the Yankees’ second baseman lay face first in the dirt for a few seconds to catch his breath.
—
Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
And further options, including a snorkel, winches, lights, and storage solutions to mount to the roof and side accessory rails, only enhance the impression that the Quartermaster belongs in the dirt.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025
Watering needs vary by climate, sun exposure, and weather, so check the soil first by sticking your finger or a chopstick in the dirt.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
While Manabe’s mind was up in the clouds, Arakawa’s was down in the dirt.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the dirt
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.
Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
And further options, including a snorkel, winches, lights, and storage solutions to mount to the roof and side accessory rails, only enhance the impression that the Quartermaster belongs in the dirt.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025
Watering needs vary by climate, sun exposure, and weather, so check the soil first by sticking your finger or a chopstick in the dirt.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
While Manabe’s mind was up in the clouds, Arakawa’s was down in the dirt.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the dirt
Cite this Entry
“In the dirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20dirt. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share