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

See Examples For:

utility man

Dodger utility man Kiké Hernandez said he wasn’t going, either, explaining that he was busy rehabbing an injury.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 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

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