Bat: meaning, definitions and examples

A piece of sports equipment used in baseball or cricket to hit the ball.

• He swung the bat with all his might and hit a home run

Descriptive term emphasizing the unique ability of bats to fly, often used in educational or explanatory contexts.

• Bats are the only flying mammals, and they are essential for controlling insect populations

Technical or scientific term used in zoology or biology when referring to bats in a more formal or academic context.

• The chiropteran population in the cave has been declining due to habitat loss

Used to highlight the night-time activity and behavior of bats, often in nature documentaries or educational materials.

• As a nocturnal mammal, the bat hunts for insects during the night

A nocturnal flying mammal with wings and echolocation ability.

• A bat flew out of the cave.
• Bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark.

An item used in sports like golf to hit balls, or a heavy object used as a weapon.

• She practiced her swing with a golf club.
• The ancient warriors carried clubs into battle.

A sports item with a handle and a net used to hit balls, especially in games like tennis and badminton.

• He needs a new tennis racket for the tournament.
• The badminton racket broke during the match.

A general term for a long, slender object, often used in sports like hockey, or for walking and support.

• He used a stick to guide himself on the hike.
• The hockey player scored a goal with his stick.

In a slang context, it means to wink or flutter one's eyelashes.

• She didn't even bat an eye when she heard the news.
• He batted his eyelashes, trying to be charming.

Often used in a more formal or serious context, such as in sports (like bowling or baseball), protest actions, or when someone or something is hit with force.

• The workers decided to go on strike.
• He struck the drum with great force.

Used when describing a forceful contact or impact, often intentional.

• He hit the ball out of the park.
• The boxer hit his opponent with a powerful punch.

Typically used to describe a quick, sharp blow, often with an object like a flyswatter. It can imply irritation or an attempt to kill or repel insects.

• She swatted the fly with a rolled-up newspaper.
• He swatted at the mosquito buzzing around his head.