dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dugout (audio)
Synonyms of dugoutnext
1
: a boat made by hollowing out a large log
2
a
: a shelter dug in a hillside
also : a shelter dug in the ground and roofed with sod
b
: an area in the side of a trench for quarters, storage, or protection
3
: either of two low shelters on either side of and facing a baseball diamond that contain the players' benches

Examples of dugout in a Sentence

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.
During that time, players must remain on the pitch rather than retreat to sideline dugouts. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 30 June 2026 Members of the Red Sox in the dugout turned and pointed out a fan to a nearby security guard. — Greg Dudek, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 Koss threw backwards and tried to nab Moreno at first, but the throw deflected off Moreno and bounced into the Giants’ first-base dugout. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 Seriously, the dude’s shrieks could be heard echoing in the A’s dugout on the NBC Sports California broadcast of the game. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dugout

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dugout was in 1819

Rhymes for dugout

See All Rhymes for dugout

Browse Nearby Words

dugong
dugout
dugway
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dugout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dugout. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dugout

noun
dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dugout (audio)
1
: a boat made by hollowing out a log
2
: a shelter dug in a hillside or in the ground
3
: a low shelter facing a baseball diamond and containing the players' bench

More from Merriam-Webster on dugout

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dugout

Nglish: Translation of dugout for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dugout

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