English Reference
noun

batting

n.
US /ˈbætɪŋ/ UK /bˈætɪŋ/ bat·ting UK spelling battings

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the act of hitting a ball with a bat, especially in games like cricket or baseball.

    the action or technique of a player who bats in a game of cricket, baseball, or softball.

    Simple

    The team's batting was excellent during the final match of the season.

    In context

    The coach spent the afternoon analysing the opener's batting stance, looking for any technical flaws that might explain his recent run of low scores.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    soft material like cotton or wool used to fill quilts, blankets, or pillows.

    fibrous material, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic fibres, prepared in sheets for use as padding or insulation in quilts and upholstery.

    Simple

    She bought a roll of polyester batting to finish her handmade quilt.

    In context

    The restorer carefully replaced the degraded cotton batting inside the antique armchair to ensure the seat regained its original firmness.

He will score a million runs if he keeps batting like this.

BBC News· 20 Aug 2026

He later explained that batting, being in the middle, was the only time he got any peace.

BBC News· 18 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From bat + -ing, batt + -ing (“material, collection”).

Etymology 2

From bat + -ing (“action”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated