English · Nature & Environment
bat
/bæt/
[/bæt/]
flying night mammal
Beginnernoun
Definition
A nocturnal flying mammal with wings of skin, the only mammal capable of true flight.
Example
At dusk, dozens of bats streamed from the cave to hunt insects in the darkening sky.
At dusk, dozens of bats streamed from the cave to hunt insects in the darkening sky.
Etymology
From Middle English 'bakke', of Scandinavian origin.
How & Where It’s Used
Distinct from 'bat' the sports implement; associated with caves and night.