dugout

American  

[duhg-out] / ˈdʌgˌaʊt /

noun

1. a boat made by hollowing out a log.

2. Baseball. a roofed structure enclosed on three sides and with the fourth side open and facing the playing field, usually with the floor below ground level, where the players sit when not on the field.

3. a rough shelter or dwelling formed by an excavation in the ground, in the face of a bank, in the side of a hill, etc., especially one used by soldiers.

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dugout British  

/ ˈdʌɡˌaʊt /

noun

1. a canoe made by hollowing out a log

2. military a covered excavation dug to provide shelter

3. slang a retired officer, former civil servant, etc, recalled to employment

4. (at a sports ground) the covered bench where managers, trainers, etc sit and players wait when not on the field

5. (in the Canadian prairies) a reservoir dug on a farm in which water from rain and snow is collected for use in irrigation, watering livestock, etc

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Etymology

Origin of dugout

1715–25, noun use of verb phrase dug out

Explanation

In baseball, a dugout is the area reserved for one team to sit while players wait for their turn at bat. Each team has its own dugout. A dugout is typically a low structure with a roof that's open at the front so the players can see the baseball field. One team's dugout is in the foul zone between third base and home plate, and the other's is between first base and home plate. Baseball dugouts are named for the original dugouts, temporary military trenches where troops shelter during battle. A boat made from a hollowed out log is another kind of dugout.

Example Sentences

The Miami Marlins have decided that their coaches can do it better from the dugout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Bendix explained why the Marlins believe calling pitches from the dugout will benefit them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

In the dugout dressed in his uniform, Miguel Gonzalez has his scissors out giving a free haircut to a teammate.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

At 3-0, in the dugout, Clarke's assistant Steven Naismith was having certain thoughts.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

And third: the moment my butt hits the bench in the dugout this afternoon—you know, for this practice I’m sitting out of—Britt-Marie appears in front of me.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone

Related Words

• cave
• cellar