Definition of bat

Over time, the meaning of the word "bat" expanded to include flying mammals, particularly the chiropterans, also known as bats. This shift likely occurred due to the physical resemblance between the two groups: both have wings, fly, and are active at night. Today, the word "bat" has multiple meanings, including the flying mammal, a sports equipment used to hit a ball (like in cricket or baseball), and even a figurative term for something that flies or moves swiftly.