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pinch-hit

verb \ ˈpinch-ˈhit , ˌpinch- \
|Updated on: 11 Jul 2018

Definition of pinch-hit

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

See pinch-hit defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of pinch-hit

back-formation from pinch hitter

pinch-hit Synonyms

Synonyms

cover, fill in, stand in, step in, sub, substitute, take over;

Related Words

understudy;

relieve, spell;

double (as);

pinch hit

noun

Definition of pinch hit

: a hit made by a pinch hitter

Recent Examples of pinch hit from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pinch hit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pinch hit

1927

in the meaning defined above

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PINCH-HIT Defined for English Language Learners

pinch-hit

verb

Definition of pinch-hit for English Language Learners

  • baseball : to bat in the place of another player

  • : to act or serve in place of another person

Learn More about pinch-hit

  1. See words that rhyme with pinch-hit Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pinch-hit

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