bullpen

noun

bull·​pen ˈbu̇l-ˌpen How to pronounce bullpen (audio)
 also  ˈbəl-
variants or less commonly bull pen
plural bullpens also bull pens
1
: a large cell where prisoners are detained until brought into court
Commonly called the "bullpen," the court lockup is behind the courtroom and is used as a holding area for prisoners …Bruce A. Scruton
2
a
: a place on a baseball field where pitchers warm up before they start pitching
In the bullpen, Goose Gossage is warming up.Tony Scherman
b
: the relief pitchers of a baseball team
After five innings Seattle led 14-2 and, with baseball's best bullpen waiting to protect the lead should starter Aaron Sele falter …Sports Illustrated
3
: an open work area not divided into offices
… an alternative to the traditional combination of private offices for the brass and bullpens for the workers.Carl Ruff

Examples of bullpen 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.
Williams has been a staple in the Milwaukee bullpen for the last few years, but he's been notorious for collapsing in the postseason. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024 This was more exciting that any call to the bullpen. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 The bullpen finished eighth among playoff teams with a 4.12 regular-season ERA. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024 From there, both team's bullpens kept the bats at bay until Shohei Ohtani came up with a booming one-out double in the eighth inning. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 26 Oct. 2024 Scott would fortify the backend of New York's bullpen. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Since removing Flaherty in the second, Roberts had managed his bullpen ruthlessly. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 The bullpen games were probably the most challenging. Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 The Diamondbacks signed Montgomery to be a starter, of course, and a bullpen spot seems a last resort. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullpen was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near bullpen

Cite this Entry

“Bullpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullpen. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bull pen

noun
1
: a large cell where prisoners are held until brought into court
2
a
: a place on a baseball field where relief pitchers warm up
b
: the relief pitchers of a team
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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