bullpen
Britishnoun
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informal a large cell where prisoners are confined together temporarily
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baseball a part of a baseball field where relief pitchers warm up
Explanation
The bullpen is the small area on a baseball field where pitchers warm up, throwing practice pitches to a catcher. The bullpen is often situated in the foul zone along the side of the field. In a professional baseball game, there is always at least one relief pitcher getting ready to replace the starting pitcher. These backup pitchers practice in the bullpen, keeping their throwing arms warmed up and ready. Sometimes the people inside the bullpen are also referred to as "the bullpen." Additionally, people who are confined together in a prison or cell are often said to be in a bullpen.
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.
So, bullpen help and all-around pitching depth have become areas of need.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
All told, the Brewers’ bullpen has been nearly untouchable, putting up a 1.41 ERA during the postseason.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2026
He pitched in 75 games this year, posting a 3.12 ERA while leading the National League with 87 innings out of the bullpen.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2026
They have good discipline at the plate, speed up and down the lineup and a bullpen that was near perfect in this series.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
Gionfriddo, charging from left field to the edge of the bullpen, reached behind the fence and robbed DiMaggio of his sure home run and a tied game.
From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord
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