Bat

Definition

Bat is a term with multiple meanings. As a noun, it can refer to a flying mammal of the order Chiroptera, or a long, solid stick or club used to hit a ball in various sports. As a verb, it means to hit something, especially a ball, with a bat, or to flutter or flap, particularly when referring to eyelids.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American and British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bæt/
• Respelling: bat

The pronunciation of "bat" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The noun "bat" (the animal) comes from the Middle English word "bakke," possibly of Scandinavian origin, and has been used to describe the nocturnal, winged mammal since the 14th century. The noun "bat" (sports equipment) likely derives from the Old English word "batt," meaning "club" or "stick," related to similar words in Old French and Old Norse.

Derivatives

• Batted (verb)
• Batting (verb/noun)
• Batty (adjective)
• Batman (noun)
• Overbat (verb, rare)

Synonyms

• Club (for sports equipment)
• Stick (for sports equipment)
• Flyer (for animal, informal)

Antonyms

• Grounded (for animal)
• Rest (for verb)
• None

Usage

The term "bat" is used in various contexts. In zoology, it refers to mammals of the order Chiroptera, which are nocturnal and known for their ability to echolocate. In sports, it denotes an implement used in games like baseball, cricket, and softball to strike a ball. As a verb, it describes the act of striking or hitting, as well as flapping motions. The term is widely used in both casual and formal settings, depending on the context.

Related Terms

• Echolocation: The process bats use to navigate and hunt by emitting sounds that bounce off objects.
• Ball: A spherical object often struck by a bat in various sports.
• Club: A solid implement, similar to a bat, used in other sports.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A nocturnal flying mammal: Refers to members of the order Chiroptera, which are the only mammals capable of sustained flight.
  • Example: "The bat navigated through the dark cave using echolocation."
• A solid stick used in sports to hit a ball: Common in baseball, cricket, and other sports, a bat is typically made of wood or metal and used to strike the ball.
  • Example: "He swung the bat and hit a home run."

Verb

• To hit a ball with a bat: Refers to the action of using a bat to strike a ball in sports.
  • Example: "She batted the ball with precision."
• To flutter or flap: Used figuratively or literally, often to describe the motion of eyelids.
  • Example: "He didn’t bat an eye when he heard the surprising news."