Bat Meaning
Bat Definition & Usage
A small, nocturnal flying mammal belonging to the order Chiroptera. Bats are known for their ability to echolocate and are important for ecosystems by controlling insect populations and pollinating plants.
Examples
- "Bats can be found in caves, attics, and other dark places."
- "The bat flew swiftly across the moonlit sky."
- "In many cultures, bats are associated with mysteries and the supernatural."
- "A bat's wings are adapted for flight, with a thin membrane stretched between elongated fingers."
- "In the summer, bats come out at dusk to feed on insects around the garden."
A club or implement used for hitting a ball in sports such as baseball, cricket, and table tennis.
Examples
- "He swung the bat and hit the ball out of the park."
- "The cricketer picked up his bat and prepared for the next delivery."
- "She smashed the ping pong ball with precision, using her bat to control the spin."
- "The bat broke after a few intense matches, so he had to buy a new one."
- "In baseball, players often spend years perfecting their bat swing."
To strike something, typically a ball or an object, with a swinging motion, like using a bat.
Examples
- "He batted the ball into the outfield with incredible speed."
- "The child batted the balloon back and forth with excitement."
- "She batted the fly away from her food."
- "The cat batted at the dangling string with its paws."
- "He batted his eyelashes at her, trying to impress her."
Cultural Context
Bats have a long history in folklore and mythology. In many cultures, they are seen as symbols of transformation, mystery, or darkness. For example, in Chinese culture, bats are considered symbols of good luck, while in Western cultures, they are often linked to vampires and the supernatural. The word 'bat' is also widely used in sports, especially in baseball, where it has become iconic.
The Midnight Game
Story
The Midnight Game
As the moon rose high over the quiet town, a lone bat zipped through the air, its wings slicing the night. Sarah watched from her window as the creature fluttered past, effortlessly gliding through the cool air. Just below her window, the sound of a baseball being hit echoed as her brother, Alex, practiced his swings with his new bat. ‘I bet I can hit it farther than you,’ Sarah teased, knowing full well that Alex had been working on his swing all summer. ‘You’ll need more than a bat to beat me,’ he laughed, swinging with all his might. The ball soared over the fence, but before it could hit the ground, a bat swooped down, catching it mid-air. ‘That’s one way to catch a ball,’ Sarah said, laughing. The bat flew off into the night, leaving only the memory of its graceful flight behind. Later, they laughed again, as Sarah used her bat to swat a pesky mosquito from her arm, thinking back to the mysterious winged creature from earlier. The night seemed full of possibilities, as if anything could happen in the dark hours between dusk and dawn.
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