dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dugout (audio)
1
: a boat made by hollowing out a large log
2
a
: a shelter dug in a hillside
also : a shelter dug in the ground and roofed with sod
b
: an area in the side of a trench for quarters, storage, or protection
3
: either of two low shelters on either side of and facing a baseball diamond that contain the players' benches

Examples of dugout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Two Russian soldiers can be seen clambering inside the ruins of a dugout, one manhandling a shovel. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 The issues surrounding his inconsistent form at Napoli are complex, linked to the turbulent changes in the coach's dugout. David Ferrini, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Tuchel himself stayed in the dugout for most of the second half while Bochum counterpart Thomas Letsch had the sideline to himself to urge on his players. Ciarán Fahey, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2024 Among the stranger items sold at the store through the years, according to Myers: Benches from dugouts. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 28 Jan. 2024 A lot of fun rounding the bases and getting back to the dugout with the rest of the guys. Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 17 Feb. 2024 Part of snug fit is the fact that Chris Young, a former player under Bochy in San Diego, is the Rangers general manager who dangled the carrot of a dugout return. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2024 The 20-year-old did leave the action early thanks to his knock, though, and could be seen in the dugout with his ankle wrapped in ice and foot rested on a cool box. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 People might want to watch a baseball game from the dugout or do a virtual fitness class. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dugout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dugout was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near dugout

Cite this Entry

“Dugout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dugout. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dugout

noun
dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dugout (audio)
1
: a boat made by hollowing out a log
2
: a shelter dug in a hillside or in the ground
3
: a low shelter facing a baseball diamond and containing the players' bench
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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