BAT Meaning and
Definition
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Bat is a noun that typically refers to a small, flying mammal belonging to the order Chiroptera. These nocturnal mammals are characterized by their leathery wings, which are formed by a thin membrane of skin extending from elongated fingers. They are usually active at twilight and night, roosting in caves, trees, or man-made structures during the day. The bat's ability to fly, navigate, and locate prey in the dark using echolocation is highly advanced and unique among mammals.
The term "bat" can also be used to denote a wooden or metal implement used in various sports and games. In baseball, a bat is a club-shaped object made of wood or metal, used to hit the ball propelled by the pitcher. Similarly, cricket, softball, and table tennis also employ bats in their respective gameplay. The specific designs and materials of bats may vary according to the sport, with some being smooth, cylindrical wooden sticks and others featuring flat surfaces with rubber coatings.
Furthermore, "bat" can be a verb, indicating the act of striking or hitting, usually repeatedly and often swiftly. This action is commonly associated with animals defending themselves or humans engaging in sports activities. Additionally, it can serve as a noun referring to a turn or period of play in a game, particularly in cricket, where each team has a chance to bat and bowl.
In a figurative sense, "bat" can be used colloquially to describe someone's mental and emotional state as "going batty." This expression suggests that a person is acting erratically, behaving strangely, or losing sanity, drawing an association with the erratic flight patterns of bats.
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• A heavy stick; a piece of wood broader at one end than at the other; the management of a bat at play; cotton in sheets for quilting; a piece of brick.
• To play with a bat at cricket.
• Name of a small animal like a mouse, but with wings without feathers, which only comes abroad at night.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BAT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BAT
Etymology of BAT
The word "bat" has a complex etymology and has been used to refer to various things throughout history. When specifically referring to the mammal, the term "bat" is believed to have derived from the Old English word "bætt" or "blæc-bætt", which were used to describe the animal's black or dark color. However, the origin of these Old English words is uncertain.
Interestingly, "bat" also has other meanings in different contexts. For instance, in baseball, "bat" refers to the wooden or metal club used to hit the ball. This usage of the word comes from the shortening of the term "battledore" or "batfowling piece", which were used to describe the racket-like equipment used in various games since the 16th century.
Idioms with the word BAT
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do sth off your own bat
The idiom "do sth off your own bat" means to do something independently or without any instruction, assistance, or influence from others. It refers to taking initiative and being self-motivated to accomplish a task or pursue a goal on one's own accord.
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off the bat
The idiom "off the bat" typically means immediately or without delay. It refers to doing or happening something right at the beginning or right away, without any hesitation or delay.
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off your own bat
The idiom "off your own bat" means to do something without being prompted or without assistance from others. It refers to acting or taking initiative independently, without relying on external support or instructions.
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bat your eyes/eyelashes
To "bat your eyes/eyelashes" means to blink or flutter your eyelashes in a flirtatious or seductive manner, often done to capture someone's attention or to convey interest or attraction. It is a gesture commonly associated with coquetry or flirtation.
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bat (one's) eyes
The idiom "bat (one's) eyes" refers to the act of fluttering or blinking one's eyelashes in a flirtatious or alluring manner.
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bat your eyelashes/eyes
The idiom "bat your eyelashes/eyes" refers to the act of fluttering or blinking one's eyelashes or eyes in a flirtatious or seductive manner. It is often used to describe someone's attempt to gain attention, persuade, or manipulate others using their attractive features or charm.
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off (one's) own bat
The idiom "off (one's) own bat" means to do something without being prompted or encouraged by others, acting independently and on one's own initiative.
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not bat an eyelid
The idiom "not bat an eyelid" means to show no reaction or emotion, especially in a situation that would typically evoke surprise, shock, or concern. It implies remaining calm and composed, often in the face of unexpected or extraordinary circumstances.
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bat an eyelash
The idiom "bat an eyelash" means to react or respond in a surprised, shocked, or dismayed manner. It implies that the person is displaying a noticeable change in expression or showing astonishment.
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not bat an eye/eyelash/eyelid
The idiom "not bat an eye/eyelash/eyelid" means to remain calm, composed, or unaffected by a surprising, shocking, or concerning event or situation. It refers to someone who displays no visible emotional or physical reaction to something unexpected or disturbing.
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bat an eye or eyelash or eyelid
The idiom "bat an eye or eyelash or eyelid" means to show no reaction or display no emotion, typically in response to a surprising or shocking event or situation. It suggests remaining unaffected or not showing any signs of surprise, astonishment, or concern.
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not bat an eyelash
The idiom "not bat an eyelash" is used to describe someone's lack of reaction or display of emotion in a situation where most people would typically show surprise, shock, or concern. It means to remain calm, composed, or unaffected by something unexpected or extraordinary.
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bat for the other team
The idiom "bat for the other team" generally refers to someone who is perceived as being attracted to or interested in romantic or sexual relationships with individuals of the same gender, particularly in the context of homosexuality. It is an often-used phrase to imply that someone is gay or homosexual.
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bat (one's) eyelashes
The idiom "bat (one's) eyelashes" means to flutter or wink one's eyelashes swiftly, often in a flirtatious or coquettish manner, usually to gain someone's attention or favor. It is often used to describe the behavior of someone, typically a woman, who uses their charm or attractiveness to get what they want.
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not bat an eye
The idiom "not bat an eye" means to show no emotional reaction or surprise, to remain calm or unaffected by something unexpected, shocking, or unusual.
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go to bat for
The idiom "go to bat for" means to support, defend, or advocate for someone or something. It originates from the game of baseball, where a teammate would "go to bat" or step up to defend their teammate by taking their turn at bat. Thus, "go to bat for" implies willingly stepping forward to support or fight for someone's cause or argument.
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like a bat out of hell
The idiom "like a bat out of hell" is used to describe someone or something that is moving extremely fast, often in a reckless or frantic manner. It implies quick, erratic movement and a sense of urgency or intensity.
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be as blind as a bat
The idiom "be as blind as a bat" means to be completely blind or have extremely poor eyesight. It is used to describe someone who has difficulty seeing or perceiving things clearly.
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go to bat for (one)
The idiom "go to bat for (one)" means to support, defend, or advocate for someone, especially in a difficult or challenging situation. It implies standing up or speaking up for someone's rights, interests, or well-being. This expression originated from baseball terminology, where a batter's teammates take turns in attempting to hit the ball or score a run. Thus, "going to bat" suggests actively stepping in and taking action on someone's behalf.
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bat around sth
The idiom "bat around something" means to discuss, consider, or debate an idea or topic informally between people, often with different perspectives, opinions, or suggestions. It implies that the subject is actively being tossed back and forth, much like a bat hitting a ball in a game. It can also suggest a lack of reaching a final decision or resolution, as the conversation keeps going without a clear outcome.
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not bat an eyelid (or eye)
The idiom "not bat an eyelid (or eye)" means to not show any surprise, shock, or emotion in response to something unexpected or unusual. It refers to someone maintaining a calm and composed demeanor despite the circumstance.
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carry your bat
The idiom "carry your bat" originated from cricket and refers to a batsman who remains not out till the end of an innings, carrying their bat as they leave the field. Figuratively, it means to complete a task or achieve a feat independently and without assistance from others. It signifies self-reliance, resilience, and the ability to accomplish something on one's own.
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bat a thousand
The idiom "bat a thousand" means to achieve a perfect or flawless record, to have a 100% success rate, or to accomplish every attempt or endeavor successfully. It originates from baseball, where a player who gets a hit every time they are at bat would have a batting average of 1.000.
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bat something around
The idiom "bat something around" means to discuss or consider something in a casual or informal manner. It implies an exchange of ideas or opinions between multiple individuals, often with the intention of reaching a decision or developing a plan. It can describe a collaborative process of deliberation and exploration, where different perspectives and viewpoints are considered and debated before a conclusion is reached.
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right off the bat
The idiom "right off the bat" is an expression used to indicate that something is happening or being done immediately, without delay or hesitation. It refers to doing or experiencing something right from the start, without any waiting time or preparation.
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go to bat for somebody
The idiom "go to bat for somebody" means to actively support or defend someone, particularly in a difficult or challenging situation. It originates from the game of baseball, where the batter needs their teammates to support and back them up. Therefore, when someone goes to bat for somebody, they are taking a stand on their behalf, advocating for them, and actively working to protect their interests or reputation.
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at bat
The idiom "at bat" originates from baseball and refers to the turn a batter takes to try and hit the ball thrown by the pitcher. In a broader sense, "at bat" is used figuratively to depict someone's opportunity or chance to participate or succeed in a particular situation or endeavor.
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go to bat against sm
The idiom "go to bat against someone" means to stand up or defend oneself or others against someone else. It derives from the game of baseball, where players take turns batting against the opposing team's pitcher. In this context, going to bat against someone implies challenging or opposing their actions or ideas.
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an old bat
The idiom "an old bat" refers to a person, typically a woman, who is considered to be annoying, eccentric, unfriendly, or difficult to deal with due to their behavior or attitudes. It is often used to describe older women who are perceived as being bothersome or unpleasant.
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play a straight bat
The idiom "play a straight bat" is commonly used in cricket and has been adapted to mean someone who behaves honestly, fairly, and in an above-board manner in any situation, not just in sports. It refers to the correct technique of a batsman in cricket to maintain a perpendicular angle between the bat and the ground while hitting the ball, thereby reducing the risk of getting dismissed. In a broader sense, it means to act with integrity, not taking shortcuts or resorting to dishonesty.
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go to bat against
The idiom "go to bat against" means to support or defend someone or something, particularly in a difficult or challenging situation. It is derived from the sport of baseball, where a player steps up to the bat to face the opposing team's pitcher, representing a unified effort to confront an opponent. Therefore, when you "go to bat against" someone or something, you are actively and openly standing up for them or their cause in a combative or competitive manner.
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bat an eye
The idiom "bat an eye" means to show no sign of surprise, shock, or concern when faced with something unusual or unexpected. It refers to maintaining a calm or indifferent demeanor in the face of surprising or alarming situations.
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(as) blind as a bat
The idiom "(as) blind as a bat" means having extremely poor eyesight or being unable to see clearly. It implies a complete lack of visual perception or awareness, typically used to emphasize someone's inability to see or observe something.
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go to bat for sm
The idiom "go to bat for someone" means to support or defend someone, especially when they are in a difficult or challenging situation. It comes from the game of baseball, where a batter's teammates take turns hitting the ball to advance their chances of scoring. When someone "goes to bat for someone," they are metaphorically stepping up and acting as an advocate or champion on their behalf.
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go to bat for sb/sth
The idiom "go to bat for someone/something" means to support, defend, or speak in favor of someone or something. It originates from the game of baseball, where the batter stands at home plate and attempts to hit the pitched ball. The phrase implies taking action on behalf of another person or cause, often advocating for their rights, interests, or opinions.
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bat the breeze
The idiom "bat the breeze" means to engage in casual or idle conversation, usually in a relaxed or leisurely manner, without any specific purpose or agenda. It implies passing time or socializing without any particular goal or topic of discussion in mind.
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bat one thousand
The idiom "bat one thousand" refers to a situation or person who is achieving a perfect outcome or success rate. It originates from the sport of baseball, where a batting average of 1.000 means that a player has successfully hit the ball every time they have come up to bat. Therefore, "batting one thousand" is used figuratively to describe something or someone who is performing flawlessly or achieving complete success.
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bat sth around
The idiom "bat something around" typically means to discuss or consider something informally or casually, often with a group of people, in order to exchange ideas, opinions, or suggestions. It implies a back-and-forth conversation where different viewpoints or options are debated or examined before reaching a decision or conclusion.
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blind as a bat
The idiom "blind as a bat" means to have very poor or limited vision. It is often used as a metaphor to describe someone who cannot see well or is visually impaired.
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go to bat for someone
The idiom "go to bat for someone" means to defend, support, or stand up for someone, especially in a difficult or challenging situation. It originates from baseball, where the batter relies on their teammates to hit the ball and advance their position on the bases. Similarly, going to bat for someone implies stepping up and advocating on their behalf.
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go to bat for sb
The idiom "go to bat for someone" means to defend, support, or advocate for someone, especially when they are in a difficult or challenging situation. It originates from the game of baseball, where "going to bat" refers to stepping up to the plate to take a turn at hitting the ball, and is often used metaphorically to represent taking action or standing up for someone's interests or rights.
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bat an eyelid
The idiom "bat an eyelid" means to react or respond to something with surprise, shock, or fear. It refers to the involuntary reflex of blinking one's eyes rapidly in response to a sudden or unexpected event.
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bat five hundred
The idiom "bat five hundred" refers to achieving an equal or average level of success or performance. It derives from baseball, where a batting average of .500 means getting a hit in half of the official at-bats, indicating a reasonable level of proficiency or mediocrity. In a broader sense, it can be used to describe someone or something that consistently performs averagely or is neither exceptional nor terrible.
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bat around
The idiom "bat around" typically means to discuss or exchange ideas or opinions about a particular topic in a casual or informal manner. It often implies a back-and-forth conversation where different perspectives or possibilities are considered and explored. This idiom is derived from the sport of baseball, where players take turns hitting the ball and running around the bases.
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bat for the other side
The idiom "bat for the other side" typically refers to someone who is perceived to be a member of a different team, group, or side than the one they are currently associated with or expected to support. It is often used in the context of someone switching alliances, allegiances, or loyalties to join or support the opposition.
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bat out
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bat for both sides
Similar spelling words for BAT
- boat,
- buddy,
- puttee,
- bad,
- byte,
- beat,
- pad,
- slo-bid,
- butea,
- battie,
- bode,
- piety,
- bit,
- pout,
- batte,
- bayat,
- putt,
- baht,
- biota,
- butty,
- pewit,
- pitta,
- buteo,
- battue,
- payday,
- pid,
- peewit,
- bot,
- potto,
- BDE/BDE,
- putty,
- Beautie,
- boughed,
- at-bat,
- petty,
- padua,
- bittie,
- buyout,
- Bayed,
- bod,
- peaty,
- bout,
- padda,
- Bewet,
- bowhead,
- bath,
- Bedewy,
- bootie,
- boidae,
- pit,
- patio,
- bathe,
- Bayatte,
- bade,
- paid-up,
- buddha,
- paid,
- piute,
- paiute,
- potty,
- bedew,
- batty,
- beady,
- baddie,
- pod,
- Bateau,
- beet,
- by-bid,
- bead,
- baud,
- BATEY,
- pity,
- but-but,
- bede,
- beta,
- pied,
- paddy,
- biddy,
- pitt,
- pita,
- bed,
- bight,
- BATT,
- but,
- Batta,
- boot,
- poet,
- battey,
- pet,
- u-boat,
- bait,
- bite,
- peat,
- batie,
- Bewit,
- Bete,
- bitt,
- bootee,
- bawd,
- butt,
- put-put,
- poitou,
- bata,
- body,
- bawdy,
- baade,
- beauty,
- Bedye,
- baeda,
- pat,
- pood,
- bate,
- booty,
- patois,
- bud,
- Bayad,
- ptah,
- pieta,
- bid,
- put,
- Betty,
- bighead,
- patty,
- beda,
- Beete,
- beaut,
- Bateaux,
- poitier,
- bota,
- bady,
- bet,
- peyote,
- bowed,
- pate,
- bide,
- baity,
- bida,
- bitty.
Conjugate verb Bat
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have batted
you
would have batted
he/she/it
would have batted
we
would have batted
they
would have batted
I
would have bat
you
would have bat
he/she/it
would have bat
we
would have bat
they
would have bat
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been batting
you
would have been batting
he/she/it
would have been batting
we
would have been batting
they
would have been batting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would bat
you
would bat
he/she/it
would bat
we
would bat
they
would bat
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be batting
you
would be batting
he/she/it
would be batting
we
would be batting
they
would be batting
FUTURE
I
will bat
you
will bat
he/she/it
will bat
we
will bat
they
will bat
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be batting
you
will be batting
he/she/it
will be batting
we
will be batting
they
will be batting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have batted
you
will have batted
he/she/it
will have batted
we
will have batted
they
will have batted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been batting
you
will have been batting
he/she/it
will have been batting
we
will have been batting
they
will have been batting
IMPERATIVE
you
bat
we
let´s bat
to bat
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was batting
you
were batting
he/she/it
was batting
we
were batting
they
were batting
PAST PARTICIPLE
batted
PAST PERFECT
I
had batted
you
had batted
he/she/it
had batted
we
had batted
they
had batted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been batting
you
had been batting
he/she/it
had been batting
we
had been batting
they
had been batting
PRESENT
I
bat
you
bat
he/she/it
bats
we
bat
they
bat
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am batting
you
are batting
he/she/it
is batting
we
are batting
they
are batting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
batting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have batted
you
have batted
he/she/it
has batted
we
have batted
they
have batted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been batting
you
have been batting
he/she/it
has been batting
we
have been batting
they
have been batting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
bat
SIMPLE PAST
I
batted
you
batted
he/she/it
batted
we
batted
they
batted
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