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
Another rookie to join the squad this week is shortstop John Peck, a 2023 seventh-round draft pick who will start at shortstop for the Tigers on Tuesday and Wednesday against Minnesota. — Christian Romo, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026 That brought the infield in, which allowed for Bogaerts’ hard grounder to get past shortstop Taylor Walls and drive in both runners. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 In theory, that should mean that Mozeliak could trade José Soriano for shortstop Arjun Nimmala, 20, now the Angels’ top prospect, comfortable that owner Arte Moreno could buy a quality free agent to replace Soriano in the starting rotation. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The franchise shortstop is no longer a shortstop, with Nasim Nuñez taking over for him, at least temporarily. — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 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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