What does homer mean?
A homer is a home run in baseball: a batted ball that clears the outfield fence, allowing the batter to touch all four bases and score. The term is informal but firmly established in sports reporting, where “homer” often emphasizes the distance or power of the hit, as in “a towering homer.” It can also mean a particularly long or forceful hit even when the ball does not leave the ballpark. As a verb, “homer” means to hit a home run, though “hit a home run” is more formal and is usually preferred in general writing. The word comes from the older expression “home run” and is particularly associated with baseball, although it is used by British and American fans alike. It is useful because it conveys the scale and excitement of a major hit in a compact, familiar term.
A home run in baseball, or an exceptionally long or powerful hit.
"The crowd erupted when the outfielder watched a towering homer sail over the fence."
Informal but standard in baseball usage; “home run” is more formal and more widely understood outside the sport.
To hit a home run in baseball.
"She homered in the bottom of the ninth to win the game."
Informal; “hit a home run” is the more neutral and formal alternative.
The plural is used when referring to multiple home runs or when the term is used as a count noun.
"The slugger hit two homers in the game."
In baseball, a “homer” travels beyond the fence, turning one swing into a trip around the bases.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homer come from?
“Homer” is an American English shortening of “home run,” developed by the early 20th century in connection with baseball. “Home” ultimately comes from Old English hām, meaning “home” or “dwelling,” while “run” refers to the batter’s course around the bases. This baseball term is distinct from Homer, the name of the ancient Greek poet, which has a separate Greek origin.
How homer is actually used
“Homer” is informal and common in baseball commentary and among fans. Outside baseball, it may also mean a long hit, but the expression “home run” is more broadly understood. It should not be confused with Homer, the ancient Greek poet.