pinch-hit

1 of 2

verb

ˈpinch-ˈhit How to pronounce pinch-hit (audio)
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

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
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.
Verb
With the Yankees desperate for a win, Paul Goldschmidt delivered off the bench on Wednesday when Aaron Boone asked the veteran to pinch-hit. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025 Sheets was 0-for-2 with a walk before Jose Iglesias pinch-hit for him in the eighth inning. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
Mookie Betts rejoined the team in time to pinch hit against Chapman in the ninth inning. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 July 2025 In arguably the biggest moment of his career to that point, Raleigh was called to pinch hit for the Mariners in a 1-1 game against the A’s. Dhani Joseph, New York Times, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinch-hit

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinch-hit was in 1911

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinch-hit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinch-hit. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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