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

Despite a modest target, the conditions had favoured seam bowling throughout the day and considering the lack of depth to New Zealand's batting, England were still considered favourites at the halfway mark.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Despite his track record of mediocre offense—he has lifetime .257 batting average with a .674 OPS—his defensive versatility and his positive clubhouse presence have made him attractive as a utility man.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

It’s the first time a healthy Ohtani has been out of back-to-back batting orders, except for the paternity list, since the universal designated hitter rule was implemented in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

A 28-year-old native of New Milford, Conn., Olson played five years of college baseball at Hartford and Stetson, batting .273 with 171 hits, 62 RBIs and five home runs in 183 games.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

All the next day and the next, it kept batting around in my head.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam