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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

designated hitter

Ohtani, who was in the lineup Wednesday as the designated hitter, was not made available to comment before the game.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

But he does expect him to take an at-bat or two as the NL’s starting designated hitter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Shohei Ohtani leads at designated hitter, Freddie Freeman at first base, Max Muncy at third base, and Andy Pages in the outfield.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026

And, if he does not start at pitcher, he could not start at designated hitter, come in later to pitch one inning and remain in the game at DH.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 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

Related Words

• backup
• replacement