Catcher: meaning, definitions and examples

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catcher

 

[ ˈkætʃər ]

Noun
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.