pinch-hit

1 of 2

verb

ˈpinch-ˈhit How to pronounce pinch-hit (audio)
ˌpinch-
pinch-hit; pinch-hitting; pinch-hits

intransitive verb

1
: to act or serve in place of another
2
: to bat in the place of another player especially when a hit is particularly needed

pinch hit

2 of 2

noun

: a hit made by a pinch hitter

Examples of pinch-hit in a Sentence

Verb assigned to pinch-hit as a math teacher for the remainder of the semester
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
On top of his inept pitching decisions, Roberts actually sought to have the weak-hitting Michael Conforto pinch-hit on Saturday. Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 Instead, Correa hopes he could be used for a late pinch-hitting appearance and aims to play in Sunday’s pre-All-Star break finale. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
Hernandez did pinch hit Wednesday and is expected back in the lineup Friday. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 9 July 2025 Marmol idiotically pinch hit for him against a lefty last week with the stiff Ryan Vilade. Katie Woo, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinch-hit

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from pinch hitter

First Known Use

Verb

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinch-hit was in 1911

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinch-hit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinch-hit. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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