Baton: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in the context of police or security forces, a baton refers to a heavy, cylindrical stick used for defense or control. It can also refer to a staff used in conducting an orchestra or as a symbol of authority in ceremonies.

• The police officer held a baton at his side.
• The conductor waved his baton to start the orchestra.

This can also refer to a relay race where team members pass a baton to each other.

• She passed the baton to her teammate during the relay race.

A general term for a slender, often wooden object. Used in various contexts like walking, playing, crafting, and more.

• She used a stick to draw shapes in the sand.
• He carved a design into the stick.

This usually denotes a long, thin object often associated with fishing, measurements, or certain tools or implements.

• He caught a large fish with his fishing rod.
• The surveyor used a rod to measure the land.

Typically refers to cylindrical shapes, often associated with food (like bread) or documents.

• She baked a batch of dinner rolls.
• He unfurled the roll of parchment to read the old document.

Used in music to describe the stick a conductor uses to lead an orchestra, band, or choir.

• The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began to play.

Primarily used in the context of track and field sports, particularly in relay races where team members pass a stick between runners.

• The runner smoothly passed the relay stick to her teammate, ensuring a successful exchange.

Describes an item passed from one person to another, often used in general or abstract contexts.

• During the meeting, the project manager highlighted the importance of a seamless handoff object between teams.