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• switch hitter
  switch hitter

  noun

  a batter who can bat both right-handed and left-handed and so is able to bat from either side of home plate.
• switch-hitter
  switch-hitter

  noun

  baseball a batsman who can hit either right- or left-handed

switch hitter

American  

[swich hit-er] / ˈswɪtʃ ˈhɪt ər /

Or switch-hitter

noun

1. Baseball. a batter who can bat both right-handed and left-handed and so is able to bat from either side of home plate.

2. Slang. a bisexual person.

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switch-hitter British  

noun

1. baseball a batsman who can hit either right- or left-handed

2. slang a bisexual person

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Etymology

Origin of switch hitter

First recorded in 1925–30 switch hitter for def. 1, and in 1965–70 switch hitter for def. 2

Example Sentences

Freeman is not a switch hitter since he can’t hit from the right side.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Rutschman hit 21 left-handed, and the switch hitter then turned around to the right side and hit six more right-handed during a 30-second bonus round.

From Washington Times • Jul. 10, 2023

Sam Haggerty, a switch hitter with speed, became a fan favorite because of his ability to do a little bit of everything.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2023

Millas, 25 and a switch hitter, is a strong defender who could nudge his way into the mix at catcher.

From Washington Post • Feb. 15, 2023

“I mean, what other switch hitter in the game right now is comparable?”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 8, 2022