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Definition of pitcher

pitcher

/ˈpɪtʃ.ər/
pitch · er

Plural:pitchers
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pitcher Lexical Profile

pitcher Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large container, typically with a handle and a lip or spout, used for holding and pouring liquids.

Example

"She poured fresh lemonade from a large glass pitcher to serve the thirsty guests."


2

North American The player in baseball or softball who throws the ball from the mound to the batter to initiate a play.

Example

"The starting pitcher threw a devastating curveball that struck out the final batter of the inning."


3

The modified, tubular leaf of a carnivorous pitcher plant that holds digestive fluid to trap and consume insects.

Example

"The unfortunate fly slipped on the slick rim and fell directly into the deep pitcher of the plant."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pitcher

• Rhymes for pitcher

Word Origin & Etymology

The word has two distinct derivations: the container comes from Middle English 'picher' (via Old French 'pichier' and Medieval Latin 'bicarium' meaning beaker), while the sports term combines the English verb 'pitch' (to throw) with the agent suffix '-er'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pitcher. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pitcher
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