Catcher: meaning, definitions and examples

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catcher

[ˈkætʃər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

baseball player position

A catcher is a player in baseball who takes a position behind home plate and catches pitches thrown by the pitcher. The catcher is responsible for signaling pitches, blocking balls in the dirt, and throwing out baserunners attempting to steal bases.

Synonyms

backstop, catcher in baseball, receiver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
catcher	Commonly used in baseball to refer to the player who catches pitches thrown by the pitcher. Can also mean someone who catches something physically or metaphorically. The catcher positioned himself behind home plate. She was the catcher in our game of hide and seek.
backstop	Used in baseball to refer to the net or wall behind home plate that stops errant pitches. Can also mean someone or something that provides support or defense to prevent failure. The pitch got past the catcher but was stopped by the backstop. The new policy acts as a backstop to ensure data security.
receiver	Commonly used in American football to refer to the player who catches passes from the quarterback. Can also be used in a broader sense to refer to anyone who receives something. The receiver made an impressive catch during the game. She worked as a receiver in the mailroom.
catcher in baseball	Specifically used in the context of baseball to refer to the player positioned behind home plate who catches balls thrown by the pitcher. He dreams of becoming a catcher in baseball someday. The team acquired a new catcher in baseball to improve their defense.

Examples of usage

The catcher crouched behind the plate, ready to receive the pitch.
The catcher's gear includes a chest protector, shin guards, and a helmet.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

device for catching

A catcher can also refer to a device or mechanism used for catching or trapping something, such as an insect catcher or a rainwater catcher.

Synonyms

device for catching, trap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
catcher	Used for a person or tool that catches something, often in sports or games. The catcher in baseball needs to wear protective gear. He always plays as the catcher in our backyard games.
trap	Implies an object or setup designed to capture someone or something, often suggesting a form of a trap. Can have a negative connotation. The hunters set a trap to catch the wild animals. She carefully avoided the traps laid out in the forest.
device for catching	Refers to a tool or mechanism specifically designed to catch or trap something. Typically used in a more technical or formal context. The scientists designed a new device for catching small marine animals. This device for catching wasps works efficiently.

Word

Description / Examples

catcher

Used for a person or tool that catches something, often in sports or games.

The catcher in baseball needs to wear protective gear.
He always plays as the catcher in our backyard games.

trap

Implies an object or setup designed to capture someone or something, often suggesting a form of a trap. Can have a negative connotation.

The hunters set a trap to catch the wild animals.
She carefully avoided the traps laid out in the forest.

device for catching

Refers to a tool or mechanism specifically designed to catch or trap something. Typically used in a more technical or formal context.

The scientists designed a new device for catching small marine animals.
This device for catching wasps works efficiently.

Examples of usage

The spider catcher allowed the user to catch spiders without harming them.
The rainwater catcher collected water for gardening purposes.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

person who catches something

In a more general sense, a catcher can refer to a person who catches or intercepts something, like a fish catcher or a dream catcher.

Synonyms

catcher of something, interceptor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
catcher	This word is commonly used in baseball to refer to the player who catches pitches thrown by the pitcher. It can also be used more broadly for someone who catches something, often in a playful or routine context. The catcher signaled for a fastball. He's a great butterfly catcher.
interceptor	This word is often used in a technical or professional setting, referring to someone or something that intercepts, such as in military, security, or sports contexts. It can have a more serious or official tone. The interceptor successfully blocked the incoming missile. The football team's best interceptor was praised for his quick reflexes.
catcher of something	This phrase can be used in various formal or poetic contexts to describe someone who catches a specific thing. It typically emphasizes the act of catching in a slightly more descriptive or dramatic way. She was known as the catcher of dreams in her village. The catcher of the last bus had a look of relief on his face.

Word

Description / Examples

catcher

This word is commonly used in baseball to refer to the player who catches pitches thrown by the pitcher. It can also be used more broadly for someone who catches something, often in a playful or routine context.

The catcher signaled for a fastball.
He's a great butterfly catcher.

interceptor

This word is often used in a technical or professional setting, referring to someone or something that intercepts, such as in military, security, or sports contexts. It can have a more serious or official tone.

The interceptor successfully blocked the incoming missile.
The football team's best interceptor was praised for his quick reflexes.

catcher of something

This phrase can be used in various formal or poetic contexts to describe someone who catches a specific thing. It typically emphasizes the act of catching in a slightly more descriptive or dramatic way.

She was known as the catcher of dreams in her village.
The catcher of the last bus had a look of relief on his face.

Examples of usage

The fish catcher spent hours on the boat reeling in the day's catch.
The dream catcher hung above her bed, supposedly trapping bad dreams.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'catcher' comes from the word 'catch,' which means to grab something thrown.
The use of 'catcher' in baseball dates back to the 19th century, highlighting the sport's evolution.

Sports

In baseball, catchers play a vital role, serving as a leader on the field and communicating with pitchers.
Catchers use specialized equipment, including a mask, chest protector, and pads, to protect themselves from fast-moving balls.

Pop Culture

The famous book 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger explores themes of identity and adolescence.
In various animations and cartoons, catchers are often depicted as quirky characters with a fun sense of humor.

Psychology

The role of a catcher can symbolize emotional support, akin to someone who catches you when you fall.
Catchers must develop quick reflexes and decision-making skills, reflecting the need for adaptability in stressful situations.

Literature

In literature, the metaphor of a 'catcher' is often used to represent someone who protects others from harm or hardship.
The idea of catching can also signify seizing opportunities, often explored in various narratives.

Translations

Translations of the word "catcher" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apanhador

🇮🇳 पकड़ने वाला

🇩🇪 Fänger

🇮🇩 penangkap

🇺🇦 ловець

🇵🇱 łapacz

🇯🇵 キャッチャー

🇫🇷 receveur

🇪🇸 receptor

🇹🇷 yakalayıcı

🇰🇷 포수

🇸🇦 الملتقط

🇨🇿 chytač

🇸🇰 chytač

🇨🇳 接球手

🇸🇮 lovilec

🇮🇸 fangari

🇰🇿 ұстаушы

🇬🇪 მიმღები

🇦🇿 tutucu

🇲🇽 receptor

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,578, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18575 matrimony
18576 disputing
18577 unbound
18578 catcher
18579 arbitrate
18580 insurgency
18581 mashed
...