Bat
/bæt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA small flying mammal that is active at night.
/bæt/
A nocturnal flying mammal
Many species of bats are endangered.
💡 Simply: A small animal that flies at night.
More Examples
The bat swooped down and caught a moth.
How It's Used
"The bat flew out of the cave at dusk."
"Bats play a crucial role in insect control."
A piece of sporting equipment used to hit a ball.
/bæt/
An implement used in sports
The baseball bat was made of wood.
💡 Simply: A stick for hitting a ball in sports.
More Examples
He swung the cricket bat with all his might.
How It's Used
"He hit a home run with the bat."
"The batsman wielded his bat skillfully."
Idioms & expressions
like a bat out of hell
Very quickly and suddenly.
"He left the meeting like a bat out of hell."
From Old English *bæt, related to Old High German *baʒ, Old Norse *batr. The word's history reflects its dual nature as both a flying mammal and a piece of sporting equipment.
The word 'bat' has maintained its dual meanings (mammal and sports equipment) for centuries, reflecting its consistent use in diverse contexts.
Memory tip
Think 'night flyer'