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

Campusano, who subbed in at catcher in the 10th inning after Miguel Andujar pinch-hit for Freddy Fermin in the ninth, extended the game in the 11th inning with a two-out single that drove in Bogaerts from third base. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026

Boone could have pinch-hit for Rosario in the sixth inning, with right-handed reliever Justin Sterner in the game. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Noun

The lefty-swinging Mauricio pinch hit for Tyrone Taylor with one out in the 10th and automatic runner Francisco Lindor at third base. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026

The club nearly squandered the opportunity again when Story struck out and Andruw Monasterio, who pinch hit for Jarren Duran to set up a righty-on-lefty matchup, grounded one back to the mound for what should have been an inning-ending 1-4-3 double play. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 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