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 Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen is expected to travel with the team to South Korea as a member of its active roster after a promising bullpen session Wednesday, manager Dave Roberts said. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Melvin has expressed a desire to carry at least two lefties in his bullpen, and Miller, 26, was one of four left-handed relief options in camp in addition to Taylor Rogers. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Treinen is expected to play catch on Tuesday then throw a bullpen session on Wednesday before the Dodgers leave for Korea. Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2024 Braxton Garrett had just finished throwing his fourth bullpen session of spring training on Tuesday. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Seth Lugo comes from San Diego as a converted starter after seven successful years as a bullpen regular with the Mets. Scott Sandulli, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024 With their full squad not due in camp until Monday, Phillies pitchers are the lone models for now, wearing the jerseys for their bullpen sessions. Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2024 The Padres need a healthy player who can consistently gobble up middle innings out of the bullpen. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2024 In fact, the Phillies moved him to the bullpen for his last four appearances of the season. Dan Freedman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bullpen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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