utility man

noun

1. a worker expected to serve in any capacity when called on.
2. an actor of miscellaneous small parts.
3. Baseball. a player who is not a regular and whose value lies in an ability to play several positions.

utility man

noun

1. a worker who is expected to serve in any of several capacities
2. an actor who plays any of numerous small parts

Word History and Origins

Origin of utility man¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The rare miscue from the sure-handed utility man did not cost the Dodgers, as the next batter, Jazz Chisholm Jr., grounded out to end the inning, and Edman’s evening got progressively better from there.

From Los Angeles Times

The switch-hitting utility man has six sacrifice bunts in his six-year career and has usually hit toward the bottom of the order for the St. Louis Cardinals and Dodgers.

From Los Angeles Times

The Tigers acquired McKinstry before the 2023 season and he has proved to be a valuable utility man, playing every position except catcher — yes, he’s even mopped up on the mound on four occasions.

From Los Angeles Times

As far as injuries go, the only key piece the Padres are missing is Gold Glove utility man Ha-Seong Kim, who is out the rest of the year because of a shoulder injury.

From Los Angeles Times

With the Dodgers needing a spot for veteran utility man Chris Taylor, Heyward was the odd man out in a roster crunch.

From Los Angeles Times