bullpen

noun

bull·​pen ˈbu̇l-ˌpen 

 also  ˈbəl-

variants or less commonly bull pen

plural bullpens also bull pens

1

: a large cell where prisoners are detained until brought into court

Commonly called the "bullpen," the court lockup is behind the courtroom and is used as a holding area for prisoners …

—Bruce A. Scruton

2

a

: a place on a baseball field where pitchers warm up before they start pitching

In the bullpen, Goose Gossage is warming up.

—Tony Scherman

b

: the relief pitchers of a baseball team

After five innings Seattle led 14-2 and, with baseball's best bullpen waiting to protect the lead should starter Aaron Sele falter …

—Sports Illustrated

3

: an open work area not divided into offices

… an alternative to the traditional combination of private offices for the brass and bullpens for the workers.

—Carl Ruff

Examples of bullpen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Red Sox will likely have competition for Scherzer's services from other MLB teams, most if whom will be expected to at least try him in the starting rotation, so Boston's chances of landing Scherzer as a bullpen piece may be a long shot. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025

Another familiar name in last year’s bullpen, Bailey Horn, was designated for assignment earlier this offseason. —Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

The bullpen needs help too, specifically at the back end. —Jared Wyllys, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

And while Scott’s addition helped bolster a bullpen that was heavily taxed during the Dodgers’ World Series run last season, the team felt the need for more reinforcements nonetheless. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025

His addition, combined with the arrival of Tanner Scott, transformed a bullpen that ranked 20th with a 4.17 ERA through July 28 to fifth (3.04) over the rest of the season. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025

Their trade for shutdown closer Devin Williams bolstered a bullpen that struggled to finish games for much of last season, allowing postseason sensation Luke Weaver to return to his valuable fireman role. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025

The Chicago Cubs need a closer to finalize their bullpen for 2025. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

In September, the Yankees removed Stroman from their rotation and began preparing him for a possible bullpen role for when the playoffs started. —Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bull pen

noun

1

: a large cell where prisoners are held until brought into court

2

a

: a place on a baseball field where relief pitchers warm up

b

: the relief pitchers of a team