# batten

/ˈbætən/ (US) · /bˈætən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/batten
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a long, flat piece of wood or metal used to support something. In a boat, it helps hold the planks together, and in a theater, it holds up the lights.

For teachers: a long, flat strip of wood, metal, or plastic used for structural support or as a base for other materials. In nautical contexts, it refers to a horizontal timber that secures the planking of a hull; in theater, it is a metal bar used to suspend lighting instruments.

## Examples

- The carpenter nailed a batten to the wall to hold the shelves.
- The shipwright carefully fitted a new batten to ensure the hull remained watertight against the incoming tide.
- In the dim light of the backstage area, the technician adjusted the height of the batten to position the spotlight precisely on the lead actor's entrance.

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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.