Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

pinch runner

American  

noun

Baseball.
  1. a player sent into a game to replace a base runner.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of pinch runner

First recorded in 1960–65

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.

See Examples For:

That game-changing speed was on display in just his second major league game when he was deployed as a ninth-inning pinch runner with a one-run deficit against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.

From Los Angeles Times May 16, 2025

Their best chance was in the second inning when a pinch runner tried to score from second on a ground ball off the glove of first baseman Trevor Sostman.

From Los Angeles Times May 25, 2024

Kelenic followed with a bloop single that scored Michael Harris II, but pinch runner Luke Williams was thrown out at the plate by Tyler Freeman.

From Seattle Times Apr. 27, 2024

The Pirates then had freshman Jason Janesko come on as a pinch runner.

From Seattle Times Feb. 17, 2024

She jump-started the Sooners when she scored as a pinch runner for Oklahoma’s second run.

From Washington Times Jun. 8, 2023

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training