benchwarmer

noun

bench·​warm·​er ˈbench-ˌwȯr-mər How to pronounce benchwarmer (audio)
: a reserve player on an athletic team

Examples of benchwarmer in a Sentence

I played a little, but mostly I was a benchwarmer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the celeb haul in Paris is our best representation of American popular culture, here’s a list of who’s who (or qui est qui) at this year’s games, ranging from power player to benchwarmer. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 July 2024 The Dutchman proved his worth to outgoing head coach Xavi Hernandez, and went from being a benchwarmer to an undisputed starter alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri as things currently stand. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 The bad news for Steeler Nation is that, unlike the Ravens in Week 18, the Bills will not be starting 22 benchwarmers. Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2024 But the biggest reason of all is because bowl games are rapidly turning into glorified pre-spring scrimmages where coaches are playing backups and benchwarmers. Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for benchwarmer 

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benchwarmer was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near benchwarmer

Cite this Entry

“Benchwarmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benchwarmer. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

benchwarmer

noun
bench·​warm·​er ˈbench-ˌwȯr-mər How to pronounce benchwarmer (audio)
: a reserve player on a sports team
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!