pitcher

1 of 2

noun (1)

pitch·​er ˈpi-chər How to pronounce pitcher (audio)
Synonyms of pitchernext
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 How to pronounce pitcher (audio)
noun

pitcher

2 of 2

noun (2)

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

Synonyms of pitcher

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Noun (1)

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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
San Francisco manager Tony Vitello and pitcher Logan Webb were ejected in the third inning. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Summary Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Kevin Lomon, who had a brief MLB career in 1996, is now being hailed for his bravery. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 While active rosters would still be capped at 26 players, teams could carry 14 pitchers, up one from the current allowance. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026 The Braves have employed numerous Hall of Fame pitchers throughout their existence. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing pitcher

Rhymes for pitcher

See All Rhymes for pitcher

Browse Nearby Words

pitched field
pitcher
pitchered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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

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