# baton

/ˈbæˌtɑn/ (US) · /bˈætən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/baton
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. music conductor's stick

noun · CEFR B2

a thin, light stick that a conductor uses to lead an orchestra or band.

For teachers: a thin stick used by a conductor to direct a musical ensemble, providing visual cues for tempo and dynamics.

- The conductor raised his baton, and the orchestra fell silent immediately.
- With a sharp flick of her baton, the conductor signaled the brass section to begin the dramatic finale.

### 2. relay race tube

noun · CEFR B2

a short tube that runners pass to each other during a relay race.

For teachers: a hollow cylinder passed between teammates in a relay race within a designated exchange zone.

- The second runner dropped the baton during the exchange, costing the team the race.
- The national team practiced their baton exchanges for weeks to ensure a seamless transition during the Olympic final.

### 3. police club

noun · CEFR B2

a thick, heavy stick used by police officers as a weapon.

For teachers: a short, heavy truncheon or club carried by law enforcement officers as a defensive weapon.

- The officer carried a baton on his belt for protection.
- The riot police were equipped with shields and batons to manage the escalating crowd at the protest.

### 4. vegetable cut

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a vegetable, like a carrot, cut into a thick rectangular shape.

For teachers: a vegetable cut into a small, thick stick shape, typically measuring about 6mm by 6mm by 6cm.

- Cut the carrots into even batons before adding them to the tray for roasting.
- The chef instructed the apprentices to prepare uniform potato batons to ensure they cooked at the same rate in the fryer.

### 5. ceremonial staff

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a decorated stick carried by a high-ranking military officer as a sign of their power.

For teachers: a ceremonial staff serving as a symbol of office for a field marshal or similar high-ranking military official.

- The general was presented with a ceremonial baton upon his promotion.
- The museum displayed the field marshal's baton, which was encrusted with gold and precious stones.

## Examples

- The conductor raised his baton and the music began.
- The runner dropped the baton during the final exchange, which unfortunately disqualified the entire relay team from the competition.
- While the conductor's baton serves as a visual metronome for the percussion, its more subtle movements communicate phrasing and emotional intensity to the string section.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.