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
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
There was also acclaim for veteran utility man Miguel Rojas.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
"I ain't had no fortune left to me!" burst out the general utility man, desperately.
From The Mystery at Putnam Hall The School Chums' Strange Discovery by Edward Stratemeyer
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.
