What does "catcher" mean?

1. (baseball player) the player in baseball who stands behind the batter and catches the ball from the pitcher. 2. (someone who catches) a person or thing that catches something, like a ball or a falling object. 3. (ice hockey glove) the large, webbed glove that a hockey goalkeeper wears to catch the puck.

catcher

US //ˈkæˌtʃɝ// UK //kˈætʃɐ// catch·er

1 baseball player (n.)
B1 Intermediate Sport

the player in baseball who stands behind the batter and catches the ball from the pitcher.

the defensive player positioned behind home plate who receives pitches and defends the plate against runners.

Example

The catcher signaled to the pitcher to throw a fast ball.

Example

The catcher adjusted his mask and crouched low, preparing to receive a high-velocity pitch while keeping an eye on the runner at first base.
2 someone who catches (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a person or thing that catches something, like a ball or a falling object.

an agent or instrument that intercepts and holds a moving object.

Example

He was a great catcher of fly balls during the game in the park.

Example

The automated system acts as a primary catcher for debris, preventing larger particles from entering the delicate filtration unit.
- receiver
- collector

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3 ice hockey glove (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Sport

the large, webbed glove that a hockey goalkeeper wears to catch the puck.

the specialized, webbed catching glove worn by a goaltender on the non-stick hand.

Example

The goalie made a spectacular save with his catcher.

Example

The goaltender's catcher was positioned perfectly to snag the puck before it could reach the top corner of the net.
- trapper
- catching glove

Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *kap- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *kapyéti Proto-Indo-European *kaptós Proto-Italic *kaptos Vulgar Latin captus Proto-Indo-European *-yetider. Vulgar Latin -io Vulgar Latin *captiāre Old French chacierbor. Anglo-Norman cachierbor. Middle English cacchen English catch Latin -ariusbor. Proto-Germanic *-ārijaz Proto-West Germanic *-ārī Old English -ere Middle English -ere English -er English catcher From catch + -er.