Batten - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A batten is a thin strip of wood or metal used to secure or strengthen structures, such as roofs or sails. It can also refer to a bar in theater lighting.
Definition:
A thin strip of wood or metal used to secure or strengthen something.
Synonyms:
strip, slat, lath, board
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
loosen, unfasten
Common Collocations:
batten down, wooden batten, metal batten, secure with a batten
Derivatives:
battens, battened, battening
Usage Tips:
Use "batten" as a noun for a strip or as a verb meaning to fasten securely.
Common Phrases:
batten down the hatches, batten on someone's generosity
Etymology:
From Old French "batant," meaning "beating," related to securing or fastening.
Examples:
- 1. The carpenter nailed a batten to the wall for support.
- 2. They used battens to reinforce the stage backdrop.
- 3. Batten down the hatches before the storm arrives!
- 4. She battens the shelves to keep them sturdy.