designated hitter

American  

noun

Baseball.

1. a hitter selected prior to the start of the game to bat for the starting pitcher and all subsequent pitchers without otherwise affecting the status of the pitchers in the game. DH, dh

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Etymology

Origin of designated hitter

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

designated hitter

With a runner on second and one out, he pitched to a full count against designated hitter Victor Bericoto.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026

Top prospect Josue De Paula makes his Dodgers debut, taking over at designated hitter for the Dodgers in a 6-2 win over the Miami Marlins.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026

Although having an injured player take up a roster spot for more than a few days isn’t ideal, it’s easier to cover for the designated hitter spot than other positions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026

He’s been just serving as the designated hitter in the meantime, while managing lingering inflammation and soreness in his left knee, primarily aggravated by pitching.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026

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

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Related Words

• backup
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