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

On the other hand, Cashman figures to be in competition with the Mets for bullpen help but now also may have to be in the market for corner infielders. —Bill Madden, Hartford Courant, 1 July 2024

But the Dodgers’ bullpen didn’t even begin to stir until Patrick Bailey lined a two-run double to left for a 7-0 lead in the fourth. —Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2024

Unfortunately, Skip Schumaker’s usually reliable bullpen couldn’t hold it. —Jon Marks, Miami Herald, 30 June 2024

Baltimore’s bullpen was shaky and its bats were mostly quiet, but both did just enough for the club’s third straight win to remain tied with the New York Yankees atop the American League East. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2024

But Megill didn’t give the Mets a wide margin for error and the bullpen looks shaky without Diaz. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 June 2024

Jose Marte came in from the bullpen and ended the threat by getting Colt Keith on a soft comebacker. —Doug Padilla, Orange County Register, 28 June 2024

The path to 10 years included overcoming his struggles at the beginning of the season that led to Hendricks being temporarily moved to the bullpen. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2024

Game 1: Royals snap losing streak with 4-1 win over Marlins Game 2: Royals bullpen spoils Seth Lugo’s marvelous start against Marlins Here are more notable aspects of Wednesday’s game: Another quality start for Brady Singer Singer was the latest Royals starter to receive a bit of tough luck. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2024

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