switch-hit

American  

[swich-hit] / ˈswɪtʃˈhɪt /

verb (used without object)

Baseball.

switch-hit, switch-hitting

1. to be able to bat from either side of home plate because of the ability to bat both right-handed and left-handed.

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switch-hit British  

verb

1. (intr) baseball to be able to bat either right- or left-handed

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noun

1. cricket a shot in which the batsman jumps through 180 degrees to the opposite side of the wicket before swinging at the ball

Other Word Forms

• switch hitter noun
• switch-hitter noun

Etymology

Origin of switch-hit

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Logan van Beek bowled Root through his legs, as the batter tried a switch-hit.

From Washington Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Alguacil joked that while he was never a good switch hitter, he switch-hit nonetheless, providing an unusual coaching skill.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2022

The opening partnership was finally broken at 237 when Warner attempted a switch-hit slog sweep, and Burns soon followed him.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2015

Hagler could box, brawl, switch-hit, punch – and his shaven skull seemed impervious to pain.

From The Guardian • Oct. 5, 2012

His confidence was tested again his first full pro season in 2006, when he struggled to learn to switch-hit.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2011