slugger

noun

slug·​ger ˈslə-gər How to pronounce slugger (audio)
Synonyms of sluggernext
: one that strikes hard or with heavy blows: such as
a
: a prizefighter who punches hard but has usually little defensive skill
b
: a hard-hitting batter in baseball

Examples of slugger 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.
The Orioles, who entered the day 1 1/2 games behind the final wild card in the American League, honored slugger Chris Davis, pitcher Storm Davis and scout Jim Russo as new members of the team's Hall of Fame before the game. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 If Philadelphia lands another middle-of-the-order bat, franchise slugger Bryce Harper appears ready to adjust. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 His barrel rate, exit velocity and launch angle have all stayed in the same slugger range, month to month. — Owen Poindexter, New York Times, 28 July 2026 Dylan Lee had to go through the heart of the Orioles lineup and gave up a solo home run to slugger Pete Alonso — but got through the rest of the inning unscathed to keep the Braves in front. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slugger

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slugger was in 1870

Rhymes for slugger

See All Rhymes for slugger

Browse Nearby Words

sluggardness
slugger
slugging match
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

slugger

noun
: one (as a batter or boxer) that strikes hard or with heavy blows

More from Merriam-Webster on slugger

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for slugger

Nglish: Translation of slugger for Spanish Speakers

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