pitcher

1 of 2

noun (1)

pitch·​er ˈpi-chər How to pronounce pitcher (audio)
1
: a container for holding and pouring liquids that usually has a lip or spout and a handle
2
: a modified leaf of a pitcher plant in which the hollowed petiole and base of the blade form an elongated receptacle
pitcherful noun

pitcher

2 of 2

noun (2)

: one that pitches
specifically : the player who pitches in a game of baseball

Examples of pitcher in a Sentence

Noun (1) please bring me the pitcher of lemonade from the table
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.
Noun
Both pitchers are free agents this winter, and they're both projected to sign lofty deals. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025 Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who spent 11 out of his 12 years with the team during his career, officially announced his retirement on Monday. Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 Garrett Crochet was one of the best pitchers in baseball this past season, and Roman Anthony was one of the game’s brightest young stars. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 5 Nov. 2025 Hoffman had finished more games than any pitcher in the majors this season. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pitcher

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English picher, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin bicarius drinking cup

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitcher was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pitcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitcher. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

pitcher

1 of 2 noun
pitch·​er ˈpich-ər How to pronounce pitcher (audio)
: a container for holding and pouring liquids that usually has a lip or spout and a handle

pitcher

2 of 2 noun
: one that pitches
especially : a baseball player who pitches
Etymology

Noun

Middle English picher "container for pouring liquids," from early French (same meaning), from Latin bicarius "drinking vessel, goblet"

Noun

from pitch "to erect in place, throw a ball" and -er, noun suffix

More from Merriam-Webster on pitcher

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