Bat

/bæt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A flying mammal capable of sustained flight, typically nocturnal and known for echolocation.

The bat flitted through the trees as darkness fell.

A club used in sports such as baseball or cricket to strike a ball.

He swung the bat with all his might, sending the ball flying.

The act of hitting something with a bat.

She took a few practice swings with the bat before the game.

verb

To hit or strike something with a bat.

He will bat the ball into the outfield.

To move or flutter around aimlessly.

The moth began to bat at the lightbulb.

To blink or flutter the eyelashes.

She batted her eyelashes playfully.

Middle English batte, probably of imitative origin.

bat an eye

To show surprise or concern.

like a bat out of hell

Very quickly or suddenly.

go batty

To go crazy or mad.

Chiroptera

The scientific order of bats, characterized by their ability to fly.

baseball bat

A specific type of bat used in the sport of baseball.

batty

Informal term meaning crazy or eccentric.

To cheat or deceive.

He tried to bat me on the deal.

To mess around or play carelessly.

Stop batting and get to work.