pitcher

¹

[ pich-er ]

noun

1. a container, usually with a handle and spout or lip, for holding and pouring liquids.
2. Botany.
   1. a pitcherlike modification of the leaf of certain plants.
   2. an ascidium.

pitcher

²

[ pich-er ]

noun

1. a person who pitches.
2. Baseball. the player who throws the ball to the opposing batter.
3. Also called number seven iron. Golf. a club with an iron head the face of which has more slope than a mashie but less slope than a pitching niblick.
4. sett ( def 1 ).

Pitcher

³

[ pich-er ]

noun

1. Molly Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, 1754–1832, American Revolutionary heroine.

pitcher

¹

/ ˈpɪtʃə /

noun

1. baseball the player on the fielding team who pitches the ball to the batter
2. a granite stone or sett used in paving

pitcher

²

/ ˈpɪtʃə /

noun

1. a large jug, usually rounded with a narrow neck and often of earthenware, used mainly for holding water
2. botany any of the urn-shaped leaves of the pitcher plant

Other Words From

• pitcher·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitcher¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English picher, from Old French pichier, from Medieval Latin picārium, variant of bicārium beaker

Origin of pitcher²

First recorded in 1700–10; pitch ¹ + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitcher¹

C13: from Old French pichier, from Medieval Latin picārium, variant of bicārium beaker

Idioms and Phrases

see little pitchers have big ears .

Example Sentences

Tanton kindles a small fire of twigs inside a metal pitcher, while expounding for the camera about ecology and overpopulation.

From Salon

It was just last month when 63-year-old Fernando Valenzuela, the beloved Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who sparked Fernandomania, died from a mysterious illness.

From Los Angeles Times

A striking mural in Boyle Heights that honors legendary Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela is now complete.

From Los Angeles Times

The massive wall painting by Robert Vargas offers three different views of the pitcher, including one of his unique high kick and heavenward gaze during his wind-up.

From Los Angeles Times

The Chiba Lotte Marines announce 23-year-old pitcher Roki Sasaki will be posted, making him a free agent and a potential target for the Dodgers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ace
• baseball player
• reliever