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

Justin Turner follows through on a swing while warming up in the batting cages before the start of Saturday’s Tijuana Toros game.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 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

That’s not a perfect batting average, but it’s not bad given everything that has gone on.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

"The batting and bowling standard is really, really high," Martyn said.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

I ripped my eyes away from the monster, which was batting at the Ridge warriors near its head like they were gnats, and looked at Ayanna.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia