utility man

American  

noun

1. a worker expected to serve in any capacity when called on.

2. an actor of miscellaneous small parts.

3. Baseball. a player who is not a regular and whose value lies in an ability to play several positions.

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utility man British  

noun

1. a worker who is expected to serve in any of several capacities

2. an actor who plays any of numerous small parts

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Etymology

Origin of utility man

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Infielder Hyeseong Kim played his final spring training game Thursday, Roberts confirmed, as the utility man is set to join Team South Korea for the World Baseball Classic.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 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

After Carrick confirmed left-sided utility man Patrick Dorgu would be out for "a number of weeks" through injury, there have been suggestions the club might look to cover the Denmark international's absence.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

There was also acclaim for veteran utility man Miguel Rojas.

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

I played the part of two announcements; I walked out clear from the hip, like a boy—and I became the utility man of the company, and the tormented victim of the yellow breeches.

From Life on the Stage by Morris, Clara