bat

bat · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A flying mammal with leathery wings, active at night.

  2. 2.

    A wooden or metal club used to hit a ball in sports.

  3. 3.

    Hit with a bat or one's hand.

  4. 4.

    Take a turn at batting in baseball or cricket.

  5. 5.

    Flutter (one's eyelashes).

Forms

plural: bats

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bat an eye/eyelid — Show surprise or concern (usually in negative: "didn't bat an eye").
  • •
    off the bat — Immediately; right away (also "right off the bat").
  • •
    blind as a bat — Having very poor eyesight.
  • •
    have bats in the belfry — Be crazy or eccentric.
  • •
    go to bat for — Support or defend someone.
  • •
    like a bat out of hell — Very fast.

Related words

See also: ball, baseball, cricket, mammal
Synonyms: club, racket

Etymology

For the animal: From Middle English bakke, probably of Scandinavian origin. For the sports equipment: From Old English batt ("club, stick"), possibly of Celtic origin.