utility man

American  

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.

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utility man British  

noun

1. a worker who is expected to serve in any of several capacities

2. an actor who plays any of numerous small parts

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Etymology

Origin of utility man

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Hastings is having a strong season, but why have him on the bench instead of a utility man like Kyle Rowe or Ollie Smith?

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

After Carrick confirmed left-sided utility man Patrick Dorgu would be out for "a number of weeks" through injury, there have been suggestions the club might look to cover the Denmark international's absence.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

There was also acclaim for veteran utility man Miguel Rojas.

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

They also re-signed outfielder Teoscar Hernández and super utility man Kiké Hernández, picked up the $5-million option on backup infielder and clubhouse leader Miguel Rojas, and gave versatile Tommy Edman a five-year, $74-million extension.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

Michael Brady, however, was much more the general utility man than encyclopædia of Fallen Star Ridge.

From The Black Opal by Prichard, Katharine Susannah