VocabDictionary

batten

/ˈbét.ən/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A long, thin, square strip of wood or metal used for fastening or holding something in place, especially in building or shipbuilding.

Example Sentences:
  • “The carpenter nailed a wooden batten to the wall to support the heavy shelving unit.”
  • “The sail was reinforced with a fiberglass batten to maintain its shape in high winds.”
2.verb

To fasten or secure something, especially a hatch or a covering, with battens.

Example Sentences:
  • “The crew had to batten down the hatches as the hurricane approached the coast.”
  • “We must batten the tarpaulin securely to the frame to prevent it from blowing away.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “batten”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'batten', a variant of 'bat' (a club or staff), originating from the Old French 'batre' (to beat). It originally referred to a piece of wood used to beat the weft in weaving, later evolving to describe strips of wood used in construction and shipbuilding.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'batten' as a 'bat' (stick) used to 'ten' (tighten) down a hatch or a board.

Frequently Asked Questions About “batten”

1. What is the meaning of “batten” in English?

In English, batten (noun) is defined as: “A long, thin, square strip of wood or metal used for fastening or holding something in place, especially in building or shipbuilding.”.

2. How do you use “batten” in a sentence?

“The carpenter nailed a wooden batten to the wall to support the heavy shelving unit.”

3. What are English synonyms of “batten”?

Common synonyms include:strip,cleat,fasten,secure,reinforce

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “batten”?

Derived from the Middle English 'batten', a variant of 'bat' (a club or staff), originating from the Old French 'batre' (to beat). It originally referred to a piece of wood used to beat the weft in weaving, later evolving to describe strips of wood used in construction and shipbuilding.