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.
The Dodgers have already cleared a spot on the 40-man roster, releasing utility man Tyler Fitzgerald on Wednesday.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Utility man Santiago Espinal, whom the Dodgers claimed on waivers and broke out in spring training, was designated for assignment to make room for the recovered utility man on the roster.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
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
"He's general utility man," laughed Earl, "and we're his assistants."
From Fighting in France by Wrenn, Charles L. (Charles Lewis)
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.
