Baton Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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baton
[bəˈtɒn ]
Definitions
law enforcement
A stick or truncheon used for various purposes, such as for law enforcement officers to control crowds or for a conductor to direct an orchestra.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| baton |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The police officer used a baton to control the unruly crowd.
- The conductor waved the baton to cue the musicians.
baking
A long, thin stick of butter or dough used for making pastries or bread.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| baton |
This can also refer to a relay race where team members pass a baton to each other.
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| stick |
A general term for a slender, often wooden object. Used in various contexts like walking, playing, crafting, and more.
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| rod |
This usually denotes a long, thin object often associated with fishing, measurements, or certain tools or implements.
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| roll |
Typically refers to cylindrical shapes, often associated with food (like bread) or documents.
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Examples of usage
- She rolled out the dough and shaped it into a baton for the pastry.
- The recipe called for two batons of butter.
sports
A cylindrical object used in relay races, passed from one runner to the next.
Synonyms
handoff object, relay stick.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| baton |
Used in music to describe the stick a conductor uses to lead an orchestra, band, or choir.
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| relay stick |
Primarily used in the context of track and field sports, particularly in relay races where team members pass a stick between runners.
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| handoff object |
Describes an item passed from one person to another, often used in general or abstract contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The athlete sprinted to pass the baton to the next runner.
- The relay team practiced handing off the baton smoothly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In relay races, runners hand off the baton to one another to keep the speed going, with a standard length of 28 centimeters.
- The baton is an essential part of both track and field events, emphasizing teamwork.
Music
- Conductors use a baton to guide musicians in orchestras, ensuring everyone plays together in time.
- A baton used in music can be made from wood or fiberglass and helps to emphasize tempo and dynamics.
Symbolism
- The baton often symbolizes leadership and authority, as it's held by those who guide others.
- In many cultures, passing a baton can represent the transfer of responsibilities or knowledge.
Pop Culture
- Baton twirling is both a competitive sport and a form of performance art, often featured in parades.
- In films, the baton can appear as a prop in scenes involving police officers or military, adding to the tension of authority.
Origin of 'baton'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'baton' comes from the French word for 'stick' or 'staff', explaining its long-often shape.
- Historically, it described a stick or club used by military leaders to signal commands.
The word 'baton' originated from French, where it originally meant 'stick' or 'staff'. It entered the English language in the 16th century. Over time, the term expanded to encompass various meanings, from a stick used by law enforcement to a tool in baking and sports. The versatility and utility of the baton have made it a common term in different fields.