Baseball. a batter who can bat both right-handed and left-handed and so is able to bat from either side of home plate.
Slang. a bisexual person.
baseball a batsman who can hit either right- or left-handed
slang a bisexual person
First recorded in 1925–30 switch hitter for def. 1, and in 1965–70 switch hitter for def. 2
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Freeman is not a switch hitter since he can’t hit from the right side.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026
Jorge Polanco looked like the ideal fit coming into the season — a switch hitter with a veteran presence who could offer some protection for Rodriguez.
From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024
Rutschman displayed his power from both sides of the plate as a switch hitter, swatting a combined 27 homers in his first-round matchup on Monday night.
From Washington Times • Jul. 10, 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
Veteran switch hitter Carlos Santana is expected to serve as the designated hitter for all three games.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 10, 2022
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
