pinch hitter

Definition

A substitute batter; one who pinch-hits.

Etymology

From pinch hit + -er.

Example Sentences

• "This year the Tigers are using pinch hitters 72 percent more often than the league average. They entered Thursday leading the league with 59 pinch-hit plate appearances. Tigers pinch hitters were batting .231, above the league average for pinch hitters of .217."
• "I’ll be sending a pinch hitter to do the presentation because I have the flu."