# catcher

/ˈkæˌtʃɝ/ (US) · /kˈætʃɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/catcher
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. baseball player

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He was a great catcher of fly balls during the game in the park.
- The automated system acts as a primary catcher for debris, preventing larger particles from entering the delicate filtration unit.

### 3. ice hockey glove

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The goalie made a spectacular save with his catcher.
- The goaltender's catcher was positioned perfectly to snag the puck before it could reach the top corner of the net.

## Examples

- The catcher caught the fast pitch.
- The catcher signaled for a curveball, but the pitcher threw a fastball instead.
- A skilled catcher controls the game's tempo by managing the pitcher's delivery and positioning the defense against opposing batters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.