Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

twelfth-man

noun

/twɛlfθ mæn/

Definition

A term used in sports, particularly in cricket and football, to refer to a substitute or player who is not a starter but can come in to play.

Examples

The twelfth man was ready to step onto the field when the captain called him.
In cricket, the twelfth man often has the right to participate in the game if a player gets injured.
Being the twelfth man can be a challenging role, as it involves maintaining readiness without regular play.

Meaning

The ‘twelfth man’ serves as a backup player who can replace an injured teammate or be brought on to provide fresh energy or a tactical advantage; in cricket, the twelfth man often has specific responsibilities such as carrying drinks and assisting the team.