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
Iglesias stayed in the game and even immediately swiped second base before ultimately exiting the game in the seventh inning as the Padres, in a 2-2, before Luis Arraez pinch-hit for Iglesias in the seventh inning. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 Will Smith remains on the active roster and might be available to pinch-hit as soon as Sunday. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
Stanton’s clutch pinch hit tiebreaking two-run homer on Wednesday occurred in his 1,695th career game. Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Perhaps the threat of having Tucker available to pinch hit off the bench remains a weapon manager Craig Counsell is unwilling to surrender. Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 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 13 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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