Pitcher

'pɪtʃər

nounBeginner📊CommonObject
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

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

'pɪtʃər

nounneutralBeginner
Object

A container for liquids.

The bartender poured beer from a pitcher.

💡 Simply: Imagine a big jug with a handle and a spout, like the one you use to pour juice at breakfast. That's a pitcher!

👶 For kids: A pitcher is a big cup with a handle that you can use to pour drinks.

More Examples

2

He drank from a pitcher of water after his workout.

3

She offered the guests iced tea from the pitcher.

How It's Used

Household

"She filled the pitcher with lemonade for the picnic."

Hospitality

"The restaurant provided pitchers of water to the tables."

2

In baseball, the player who throws the ball to the batter.

'pɪtʃər

nounneutralmedium
Person

A baseball player.

The pitcher took the mound and prepared to throw.

💡 Simply: In baseball, the pitcher is the person who throws the ball to the batter. They try to get the batter out!

👶 For kids: The pitcher in baseball throws the ball to the person trying to hit it.

More Examples

2

The opposing team's pitcher was known for his curveball.

3

The pitcher's job is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

How It's Used

Sports

"The pitcher threw a fastball that struck the batter out."

Baseball

"The team's star pitcher was injured during the game."

Tip:Picture a baseball player *pitching* the ball.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

From Middle English *pichere*, from Old French *pichier* ('pitcher'), from *pichier* ('to pitch'), from *pic* ('pitch'), referring to the substance used to seal the vessel.

Historically, the word 'pitcher' has been used since the 14th century to refer to a container for liquids, originating from the act of applying 'pitch' to seal vessels. The baseball meaning is more recent.

Memory tip

Think of a *picture* of a jug to remember the container aspect.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"a container for liquids or a person who throws something"

water pitcherice pitcherbeer pitcherstar pitcherrelief pitcher

Common misspellings

picherpitchurepithcer

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written