WordGarden.iobat
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈæt/
US
- /ˈbæt/
Meanings
Noun
a club used to hit the ball in sports such as baseball or cricket
a flying nocturnal mammal with membranous wings
Verb
to hit the ball, or take a turn hitting, in baseball or cricket
to strike at something with a quick light motion
Beyond the definition
"A "bat" can be many things. Most people know it as a nocturnal flying mammal—think of those small, winged, echolocating creatures. But it also means a sturdy wooden or metal club used in sports such as baseball or cricket, where you hit a ball with it. It can even be a verb: "She batted her eyelashes" means she fluttered them flirtatiously. You may also hear the phrase "right off the bat," which means doing something immediately. So context is key when you encounter this word! Think of it this way: one kind flies, one kind swings, and one kind… well, it closes its eyes fast!
The word "bat" is a great example of one spelling serving several unrelated meanings. Most people think first of the Chiroptera—the only mammals capable of true flight. These nocturnal creatures use echolocation and play important roles in ecosystems, from pollinating plants to controlling insect populations. For example: "A colony of bats emerged from the cave at dusk."
In sport, a "bat" is a wooden or metal club used in games like baseball, cricket, and softball. The batter uses it to strike a ball, aiming to send it flying. "The batter connected with the pitch and sent the ball soaring over the fence."
Beyond these common meanings, "bat" also works as a verb. To "bat your eyes" or "bat an eyelid" means to flick the eyes briefly, whether out of flirtation or quick expression. You may also hear idioms like "blind as a bat" (for poor eyesight) and "go to bat for someone" (to defend or support them).
So whether you're watching a game, seeing one at dusk, or noticing that quick eye movement, context decides which meaning you mean.
Examples
- 1
Sports equipment
He grabbed his bat and helmet and ran onto the field.
- 2
Animal
We saw a bat flying over the river at dusk.
- 3
Batting order
Mia is batting first for her team today.
- Domainin bat-and-ball sports, batting first
going first in the team's hitting order
- 4
Playful hit
The kitten batted the bottle cap under the sofa.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
No reaction
He didn't bat an eye when I told him I was leaving.
- Phrasenot bat an eye
show no surprise
- 6
Flirtatious gesture
She batted her eyelashes at him and asked for a favor.
- Phrasebat your eyelashes
move them quickly in a playful or attractive way
- 7
Brainstorming
We batted a few ideas around before choosing a name.
- Phrasebat ideas around
discuss them casually
See also
Similar
- flying mammal
- chiropteran
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- bat colony
- bat cave
- vampire bat
- fruit bat
Word family
Explore
- echolocation
- nocturnal animal
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- batnounverb
Forms
- batting-ing formverbnoun
- batspluralnounverb
- battedpast tenseverbnoun