batting

American  

[bat-ing] / ˈbæt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or manner of using a bat in a game of ball.

2. cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers in batts or sheets, used as filling for quilts or bedcovers.

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batting British  

/ ˈbætɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called: batt.  cotton or woollen wadding used in quilts, mattresses, etc

2. the action of a person or team that hits with a bat, esp in cricket or baseball

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Etymology

Origin of batting

First recorded in 1605–15; bat ¹ + -ing ¹

Explanation

Batting is the soft, plush material on the inside of a blanket or quilt. When you make a quilt, you sew the front to the back with a layer of batting in between. Batting is sometimes called wadding in the UK. It's usually made of cotton, and it adds thickness and warmth to a blanket. You might see batting used as imitation snow in a department store window, as well. The word comes from the now-obsolete bat, "felted mass of fur or wool," from the idea of "beaten" or "batted" fabric.

Example Sentences

Kemp, who was carded at number nine on her international debut, also believes her injuries have allowed her to develop her batting.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

"What we really need at this time is for leaders to talk about... how can we help each other," he said, batting down rumours the summit could be called off entirely amid the crisis.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Following the strike that interrupted the 1981 season, Ripken Sr. phoned Lesch back and asked him to throw batting practice at Memorial Stadium to help the Orioles prepare for the resumption of play.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

It’s another to hit for a low batting average with 50 homers, a feat that Murakami is well on his way to accomplishing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Pax lay still while the smaller fox sniffed and licked him, too weak to waste energy batting him away.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker