shortstop

1 of 2

noun (1)

short·​stop ˈshȯrt-ˌstäp How to pronounce shortstop (audio)
1
: the player position in baseball for defending the infield area on the third-base side of second base
2
: the player stationed in the shortstop position

short-stop

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈshȯrt-ˌstäp How to pronounce short-stop (audio)
: stop bath

Examples of shortstop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Until that deadline passes, however, beware that the Red Sox and Yankees need a shortstop. — Mac Engel july 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2026 The Marlins moved him to second and made Lopez their permanent shortstop in May 2025. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA, got an all-time record $10,347,500 from the Chicago White Sox. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Tatis was an All-Star at shortstop in 2021 and was moved to right field in 2023, after missing the 2022 season with injuries and a PED suspension. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortstop

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortstop was in 1857

Rhymes for shortstop

See All Rhymes for shortstop

Browse Nearby Words

short-stay
shortstop
short-stop
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Cite this Entry

“Shortstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortstop. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shortstop

noun
short·​stop ˈshȯrt-ˌstäp How to pronounce shortstop (audio)
: the baseball infielder whose position is between second and third base

More from Merriam-Webster on shortstop

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shortstop

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