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

Verb

• cover
• fill in
• stand in
• step in
• sub
• substitute
• take over

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

The Tigers pinch-hit for Carpenter, and Cleavinger got Jahmai Jones to fly out. —Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025

However, Roberts had already pinch-hit for Mookie Betts, Will Smith and Freddie Freeman an inning earlier, deciding to get his stars off their feet while facing a five-run deficit. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025

Noun

Devers drew a walk and Abraham Toro and Kristian Campbell were each hit by pitches to load the bases, and Romy Gonzalez came on to pinch hit for Mayer and tied the game with a two-run double. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025

Then, down by 2 runs, high drama with Anthony due up to lead off bottom of the 11th, a buzz of excitement in the air, the anticipation builds, and---and---Cora pinch hits for Anthony with Refsnyder because, lefty pitcher. —Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 June 2025

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