Dugout (shelter)

A dugout is a shelter constructed by excavating a pit in the ground and using the earth removed to form walls and, often, a roof. The term can refer to a variety of structures, from rudimentary temporary shelters to more permanent dwellings. Dugouts provide insulation from the elements, utilizing the earth's consistent temperature to offer warmth in cold climates and coolness in hot climates.

Historically, dugouts have been used by diverse cultures worldwide as homes, storage spaces, and defensive positions. Construction techniques varied depending on available resources and local climate. Some dugouts were simple, temporary excavations, while others were more elaborate, featuring timber framing, stone walls, and sophisticated roofing.

Modern uses of the term "dugout" often refer to semi-subterranean structures used as shelters in sports, particularly baseball, where a dugout provides a designated area for players, coaches, and support staff to sit during a game. These dugouts are typically built into the ground along the baselines, offering protection from foul balls and the elements. However, these structures are more accurately described as sunken or partially subterranean shelters, rather than true dugouts in the historical sense.

Dugouts should not be confused with caves, which are naturally occurring underground spaces. Dugouts are man-made structures deliberately created through excavation and construction. The primary distinction lies in the origin: caves are natural formations, while dugouts are the result of human effort.