B2noun1K

Bat

UK /["/bæt/"]/US /["/bæt/"]/

Definition

a piece of wood with a handle, made in various shapes and sizes, and used for hitting the ball in games such as baseball, cricket and table tennis

In simple words: A flying animal that comes out at night.

Examples

  • a **baseball/cricket bat**
  • It's his first time at bat in the major leagues.
  • She’s as blind as a bat without her glasses.
  • She was driving like a bat out of hell.
  • She made the suggestions entirely off her own bat.
  • We both liked each other right off the bat.
  • Foreign aid is one of the issues we have to deal with right off the bat.

Usage notes

Use 'bat' when referring to the animal. Avoid using it in formal contexts where more specific terms (like 'chiropteran') may be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a flying creature that 'bats' its wings at night—imagine a bat flying around in the dark.

Collocations

  • baseball
  • cricket
  • table-tennis
  • grip
  • hold
  • carry
  • fruit
  • vampire
  • etc.
  • flutter
  • fly
  • hang

Synonyms

  • flying mammal
  • chiropteran

Antonyms

  • non-flyer

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'bat' as in the sports equipment.
  • Using 'bats' when talking about multiple species instead of calling them 'bats'.