dugout

[ duhg-out ]

noun

1. a boat made by hollowing out a log.
2. Baseball. a roofed structure enclosed on three sides and with the fourth side open and facing the playing field, usually with the floor below ground level, where the players sit when not on the field.
3. a rough shelter or dwelling formed by an excavation in the ground, in the face of a bank, in the side of a hill, etc., especially one used by soldiers.

dugout

/ ˈdʌɡˌaʊt /

noun

1. a canoe made by hollowing out a log
2. military a covered excavation dug to provide shelter
3. slang.
   a retired officer, former civil servant, etc, recalled to employment
4. (at a sports ground) the covered bench where managers, trainers, etc sit and players wait when not on the field
5. (in the Canadian prairies) a reservoir dug on a farm in which water from rain and snow is collected for use in irrigation, watering livestock, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of dugout¹

1715–25, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase dug out

Example Sentences

Bellamy is as energetic on the touchline as he was as a player and, whenever he darts back to his seat in the dugout, he is usually doing so to consult Cremers and his screen.

From BBC

Unlike Sporting’s array of substitutes, Amorim didn’t race out of the dugout when his side scored their fourth.

From BBC

This could well be a world first as a fan - with zero managerial experience - swaps the stands for the dugout.

From BBC

So, Roberts banked on the character of his team to prevail once again, staying in the dugout as the club completed its championship ascent.

From Los Angeles Times

These days, Major League Baseball positions employees in each dugout to immediately authenticate everything from milestone baseballs to gear worn by players.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cave
• cellar