designated hitter
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of designated hitter
An Americanism dating back to 1970–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Shohei Ohtani does not start at designated hitter for the Dodgers, but pitches six strong innings of one-run ball as Dodgers defeat the Mets.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
He served as the Cubs’ designated hitter during their postseason run, which ended in a five-game loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in the division series.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026
That made him the first primary designated hitter to claim the honor, and he joined Frank Robinson as the second player to win MVP in both leagues.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025
That was the end of Ohtani's night as the pitcher, but under a 2022 regulation change known as the 'Ohtani rule',, external he was allowed to remain in the game as designated hitter.
From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025
He kept talking about how the designated hitter in baseball was bad and why basketball was a commercial success and what teams looked promising in college football.
From "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
