utility man
Americannoun
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a worker expected to serve in any capacity when called on.
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an actor of miscellaneous small parts.
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Baseball. a player who is not a regular and whose value lies in an ability to play several positions.
noun
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a worker who is expected to serve in any of several capacities
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an actor who plays any of numerous small parts
Etymology
Origin of utility man
First recorded in 1850–55
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.
Despite his track record of mediocre offense—he has lifetime .257 batting average with a .674 OPS—his defensive versatility and his positive clubhouse presence have made him attractive as a utility man.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
Hastings is having a strong season, but why have him on the bench instead of a utility man like Kyle Rowe or Ollie Smith?
From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026
There was also acclaim for veteran utility man Miguel Rojas.
From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025
Moore, the Mariners’ Gold Glove utility man, who has played every position but catcher, uses four: two infield gloves, a first baseman’s mitt and another for the outfield.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2025
"I'm a sort of general utility man up at the camp: can you use me in any way?"
From The Real Man by Lynde, Francis
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.
