# dugout

/ˈdəˌɡaʊt/ (US) · /dˈʌɡaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dugout
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a shelter built into the ground for protection, or a low area where sports players sit during a game. You often see these in baseball or on a battlefield.

For teachers: a shelter formed by excavating a hole in the ground or the side of a hill, typically for military protection; also refers to the sunken bench area for players in sports like baseball.

## Examples

- The players sat in the dugout waiting for their turn to bat.
- During the heavy rain, the soldiers retreated to the dugout to keep their equipment dry.
- The manager paced the length of the dugout, nervously watching the pitcher as the bases were loaded in the final inning of the championship game.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in both military and sporting contexts to describe a recessed or underground shelter.

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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.