What does pitch mean?
Pitch is a versatile word whose meaning depends heavily on context. In music, it denotes the perceived highness or lowness of a tone or voice, as in a singer's pitch or a recording with a bright pitch. In sport, it refers to a player's delivery of a ball, especially in baseball, and can also mean the slope of a playing surface. A pitch may be a business term for a persuasive sales presentation or proposal. The verb pitch means to throw or propel something, to set something at an angle or level, or to present an idea persuasively. A less common noun sense refers to tar, a thick, sticky substance. Although the word can sound technical, musical, sporting, or commercial depending on its use, it is a familiar part of standard English. Its usefulness lies in its ability to describe both physical sound and the act of presenting an idea with force and clarity.
The perceived highness or lowness of a musical tone or voice; also a musical note or tonal quality.
"The violin has a warm, mellow pitch."
In acoustics and music, pitch specifically concerns perceived frequency.
A throwing or propelling movement, especially the delivery of a ball in baseball or cricket; also a persuasive sales presentation.
"He threw a fast pitch that the batter could not reach."
The sales sense is common in business and promotional contexts.
A thick, sticky substance made from tar or a similar material.
"The workers used hot pitch to seal the roof."
This sense is uncommon in everyday modern English.
To throw or propel a ball or other object.
"The goalkeeper pitched the ball to his teammate."
The sporting use is especially associated with baseball.
Used for separate musical tones, throwing movements, sales presentations, or slopes.
"The instrument can produce several distinct pitches."
One word can describe a singer's tone, a baseball delivery, a sticky substance, and a convincing sales argument: context does the work.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pitch
The word has historically distinct strands. The sense for a tar-like substance continues Old English pice, while the throwing sense developed through Middle English usage and is related to older forms meaning to pitch or throw. The musical and persuasive senses developed later by extension. The substance sense is ultimately connected with Latin pix, meaning pitch or tar, from which words such as piceous also derive.
Related word forms
How pitch is actually used
In musical contexts, pitch refers to the perceived frequency of a tone. In business contexts, pitch usually means a persuasive presentation and can sound informal or promotional. The baseball senses are common in North American English but are also understood in British English.