shortstop

American  

[shawrt-stop] / ˈʃɔrtˌstɒp /

noun

1. Baseball.

   1. Also called short.  the position of the player covering the area of the infield between second and third base.

   2. a fielder who covers this position.

2. Also called shortstop bath.  Photography. stop bath.

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shortstop British  

/ ˈʃɔːtˌstɒp /

noun

1. baseball

   1. the fielding position to the left of second base viewed from home plate

   2. the player at this position

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Etymology

Origin of shortstop

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; short + stop

Example Sentences

Zach Neto is the Angels’ best player and they should prioritize keeping the shortstop for the long term if they have any interest in winning.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

First baseman Nick Kurtz ran away with AL rookie of the year honors, winning the award unanimously, with shortstop Jacob Wilson placing second.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Betts graded as a below-average defender in his first season at the shortstop position in 2024, posting a minus-6 in Defensive Runs Saved and a minus-3 in Outs Above Average.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Betts credits his improved defense at shortstop to the new training methods that he’s adopted.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

I told Sookie and Lester the chatter I’d heard on Mr. Patterson’s radio about the odds of the Sox calling up a shortstop from the minors named, Nomar Garciaparra.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• break
• break off
• cut off
• cut short
• delay
• discontinue
• disturb
• halt
• heckle
• hinder
• hold up
• impede
• prevent
• punctuate
• stop
• suspend