baton
Part of Speech: noun
EN
A thin stick used by a conductor to direct an orchestra; a short stick passed between runners in a relay race; a police officer's truncheon; or a symbolic rod representing authority or leadership.
The conductor raised her baton, and the orchestra fell silent before the first note.
Etymology
Baton entered English in the 16th century from French, deriving from Old French baston meaning 'stick' or 'staff', which traces back to Latin bastum, meaning a walking stick or staff.
Translations
Related Words
Quick answers
What does baton mean?
baton means: A thin stick used by a conductor to direct an orchestra; a short stick passed between runners in a relay race; a police officer's truncheon; or a symbolic rod representing authority or leadership.
How do you pronounce baton?
baton: /ˈbætən/
How is baton used in a sentence?
The conductor raised her baton, and the orchestra fell silent before the first note.