bats

word · lemma: bat

/ˈbæts/
bats
/bˈæts/
bats

Definition

Bats can mean flying mammals that come out mostly at night, or long wooden or metal sticks used in sports like baseball and cricket. The meaning depends on the context.

Usage & Nuances

This is the plural of 'bat'. In everyday English, the animal meaning is common in nature contexts, while the sports meaning appears with games like 'baseball bat' or 'cricket bat'. Context usually makes the meaning clear.

Example Sentences

We saw bats flying above the trees at night.

basic

The kids argued about whose bats were better, but nobody was even hitting the ball.

natural

The players put their bats near the bench.

basic

Some bats sleep in caves during the day.

basic

They keep a few old bats in the garage for weekend games.

natural

At sunset, bats started coming out from under the bridge.

natural