baton

noun

ba·ton | \ bə-ˈtän

, ba- also ˈba-tᵊn\

plural batons

Definition of baton

1 : cudgel, truncheon specifically : billy club

2 : a staff borne as a symbol of office

3 : a narrow heraldic bend

4 : a slender rod with which a leader directs a band or orchestra

5 : a hollow cylinder carried by each member of a relay team and passed to the succeeding runner

6 : a hollow metal rod with a weighted bulb at one or both ends that is flourished by a drum major or drum majorette

7 : a piece of food that has been cut into a narrow strip that is thicker than a julienned piece of food We cut carrots into slabs, then batons, then dice.— Janet Rausa Fuller

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about baton

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Examples of baton in a Sentence

The majorette twirled the baton. the detainee claimed that the police had beat him with their batons even after he had been shackled

Recent Examples on the Web

Lam announced the bill’s formal withdrawal Tuesday following weekend protests where demonstrators threw gasoline bombs at officers and police retaliated with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and batons. — Fox News, "Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam says withdrawal of extradition bill own decision, not Beijing’s," 6 Sep. 2019 Ian Kramer hit a woman in the head with a metal police baton knocking her unconscious and putting her in the hospital. — oregonlive, "New details emerge in DA’s case against Joey Gibson, others in antifa-Patriot Prayer clash at Portland bar," 5 Sep. 2019 Authorities in turn have employed water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and batons. — Katie Tam, chicagotribune.com, "Hong Kong has withdrawn an extradition bill that sparked months of protests," 4 Sep. 2019 Graphic video footage showed police swinging batons in the station, landing some blows on individuals already lying on the ground. — Caitlin Hu, CNN, "Hong Kong girds for airport "stress test" after violent night," 1 Sep. 2019 Keep in mind a Super Bowl winner must log 19 or 20 games; that’s a lot of baton passing among players. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: In Chargers talks, Melvin Gordon is underdog but not without leverage," 23 Aug. 2019 And who better to pick up the baton than France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron? — Vogue, "Brigitte Macron Is Back With a Classic Take on Parisian Chic," 23 Aug. 2019 Per entry, no local club was more successful passing the baton than Jacobs Sports Academy, which finished six relays, won three and took bronze in another. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Houston track and field stars amass 19 AAU national championships," 22 Aug. 2019 Others still enlist multiple runners for the race who treat the bib like a relay baton. — The Economist, "Why the Mexico City marathon attracts so many cheats," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for baton

baton

noun

English Language Learners Definition of baton

: a thin stick that is used by a music conductor to lead a band or orchestra

: a long thin stick with a ball at one end or both ends that is carried by someone who performs with or leads a marching band

: a stick that is passed from one runner to the next runner in a relay race

See the full definition for baton in the English Language Learners Dictionary

baton

noun

ba·ton | \ bə-ˈtän

, ba-\

Kids Definition of baton

1 : a thin stick with which a leader directs an orchestra or band

2 : a rod with a ball at one or both ends that is carried by a person leading a marching band

3 : a stick that is passed from one runner to the next in a relay race

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baton

Definition of baton

Synonyms for baton

Examples of baton in a Sentence

First Known Use of baton

History and Etymology for baton

English Language Learners Definition of baton

Kids Definition of baton

baton

Definition of baton

Synonyms for baton

Examples of baton in a Sentence

First Known Use of baton

History and Etymology for baton

English Language Learners Definition of baton

Kids Definition of baton

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