dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dugout (audio)
Synonyms of dugoutnext
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
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.
Kansas City Royals infield coach Jose Alguacil took his perch — nestled beside club manager Matt Quatraro and pitching coach Brian Sweeney — along the front step of the dugout. — Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Junk, ever a competitor, took the walk to the dugout having thrown just 69 pitches and leaving a pair of runners on base. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Already, Skubal’s joining in on pregame handshake lines and slapping the dugout railing in time to Roki Sasaki’s warm-up music. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Television cameras caught him talking in the dugout to veteran teammate Sal Frelick. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dugout

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dugout was in 1819

Rhymes for dugout

See All Rhymes for dugout

Browse Nearby Words

dugong
dugout
dugway
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dugout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dugout. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on dugout

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dugout

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dugout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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