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

Dodgers pitchers Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, who missed this past season because of injuries, agreed to contracts for next season to avoid arbitration.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers and pitcher Dustin May avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.135-million contract for next season, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also unknown how strictly the Dodgers will limit Ohtani’s pitching workload in 2025, as they typically do with pitchers returning from major arm surgeries.

From Los Angeles Times

Her works are filled with whimsy and joy, including a collection of platters and plates featuring inlaid porcelain flowers, vaguely defined creatures that hold birthday candles, penguin pitchers and buddhas.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, a good pitcher can throw the ball with one of several different spins.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• ace
• baseball player
• reliever