Catcher: meaning, definitions and examples
⚾️
catcher
[ ˈkætʃər ]
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
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.
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
Examples of usage
- The spider catcher allowed the user to catch spiders without harming them.
- The rainwater catcher collected water for gardening purposes.
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
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.
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
Etymology
The word 'catcher' originated from the Middle English word 'cacchen' which means 'to seize or grasp'. Its use in baseball dates back to the mid-19th century when the position behind home plate became known as the 'catcher'. Over time, the term expanded to include various devices and individuals who catch or trap things in different contexts.
See also: catch, catching, catchphrase, catchy.