pitcher

1 of 2

noun (1)

pitch·​er ˈpi-chər 

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

ˈpi-chər-ˌfu̇l 

noun

pitcher

2 of 2

noun (2)

: one that pitches

specifically : the player who pitches in a game of baseball

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• ewer
• flagon
• jug

Examples of pitcher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In addition to his brother, Bob, a former minor league pitcher, Holtzman is survived by his daughters, Robyn Schuster, Stacey Steffens and Lauren Fyle; four grandchildren; and a sister, Janice Koertel. —Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2024

But then came all the other setbacks to pitchers expected to be key contributors. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024

In 1971, Erskine Street in Brooklyn, not far from the former site of Ebbets Field, was named for the former pitcher. —Russ Stanton, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024

Make a pitcher or two to go around for the whole crew. —Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2024

Holtzman is the winningest Jewish pitcher in MLB history — Sandy Koufax is second with 165 wins. —Laurence Miedema, The Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2024

It’s been a disappointing start for a pitcher who pitched well most of last season, after returning from a back injury that cost him half of 2021 and all of 2022. —Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register, 13 Apr. 2024

Irons followed lining a ball off the pitchers foot and into left field to score two more and up the lead to 5-0. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2024

Moore’s two-RBI single gave pitcher Cole Hoffman some breathing room as the Nighthawks edged No. 8-ranked San Marcos 4-1 in a North County Coastal League game. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing pitcher

• pitcher plant
• relief pitcher
• starting pitcher

Kids Definition

pitcher

1 of 2 noun

pitch·​er ˈpich-ər 

: 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