pinch-hit

1 of 2

verb

ˈpinch-ˈhit 

ˌpinch-

pinch-hit; pinch-hitting; pinch-hits

intransitive verb

1

: to act or serve in place of another

2

: to bat in the place of another player especially when a hit is particularly needed

pinch hit

2 of 2

noun

: a hit made by a pinch hitter

Synonyms of pinch-hit

Verb

• substitute

Examples of pinch-hit in a Sentence

Verb

assigned to pinch-hit as a math teacher for the remainder of the semester

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

That set the stage for Royals manager Matt Quatraro to motion toward his bench, summoning veteran outfielder Lane Thomas to pinch-hit for Jac Caglianone. —Jaylon Thompson may 2, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026

But after junior Joaquin Durazo and senior Jaiden Chan popped out and grounded out, respectively, Matthew Perez came in to pinch-hit with two outs and Thompson standing at third base. —Matt Wagner, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026

Noun

The most recent came in Friday’s 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks when Nico Hoerner was pinch hit for in the bottom of the second. —Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Vinnie Pasquantino missed his second straight start because of lower back tightness but pinch hit in the ninth and hit a game-ending flyout with a man on against Jack Perkins, who got his third save. —CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from pinch hitter

First Known Use

Verb

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above