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

And when veteran infielder Miguel Rojas pinch-hit for Alex Freeland in the eighth inning, the 21-year-old De Paula and 29-year-old Kyle Tucker were the only Dodgers under 30 remaining in the batting order. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

The Yankees will have to decide whether Stanton did enough to warrant a roster spot in the Wild Card; he would likely be restricted to pinch-hitting. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

Noun

After Jordan Lawlar struck out, Smith pinch hit and drove a cutter from Michael Fulmer (0-1) into the right-field seats. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Perhaps he would have been pinch hit for in a close game, but when there is breathing room, the Phillies might take the opportunity to hand Marsh more experience. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 27 July 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