Bats

/bats/

Meaning & Definition

noun
Plural form of bat, a flying mammal capable of sustained flight.
Bats are essential for pollination and seed dispersal in many ecosystems.
A club used in sports, such as baseball or cricket, to hit the ball.
He swung the bat with all his might, sending the ball soaring over the fence.
verb
To move or beat (something) with a quick motion, often used with the word 'eyes' (as in 'to bat one's eyes').
She tried to get his attention by batting her eyelashes.
To strike or hit something, typically a ball, with a bat.
He bats the ball with precision during practice.

Etymology

Old English 'bat' (meaning 'bat' or 'flittermouse')

Common Phrases and Expressions

batty
Crazy or eccentric.
bat out of hell
To move very quickly.
going bats
Becoming crazy or wildly excited.

Related Words

mammal
A warm-blooded vertebrate animal that has hair or fur and typically bears live young.
eccentric
Unconventional and slightly strange.
club
A heavy, thick stick used as a weapon or in sports.

Slang Meanings

Insane or crazy.
He's completely bats for thinking he can run a marathon without training.
To be wild or overly excited.
The party was bats after he showed up.