bat
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈbæt// UK //bˈæt// bat
n. a small animal with wings that flies at night. You can also use this word for the wooden stick used to hit the ball in sports like baseball or cricket.
n. a nocturnal flying mammal with wings formed from a membrane stretched between the fingers; also, a club-like implement used for striking the ball in various sports.
The player swings the bat and hits the ball.
We watched a bat fly out from under the bridge just as the sun began to set.
While most people associate the bat with darkness and caves, these mammals play a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming vast quantities of insects every night.
Usage
In sports, the noun is typically preceded by the name of the sport, such as 'baseball bat' or 'cricket bat'.