batch

[ bach ]

noun

1. a quantity or number coming at one time or taken together:

   a batch of prisoners.

   Synonyms: troop, pack, gang, flock, band, set, number, lot, group, bunch

2. the quantity of material prepared or required for one operation:

   mixing a batch of concrete.

3. the quantity of bread, cookies, dough, or the like, made at one baking.
4. Computers.
   1. a group of jobs, data, or programs treated as a unit for computer processing.
   2. batch processing ( def ).
5. Glassmaking.
   1. a quantity of raw materials mixed in proper proportions and prepared for fusion into glass.
   2. the material so mixed.

verb (used with object)

1. to combine, mix, or process in a batch.

batch

¹

/ bætʃ /

noun

1. a group or set of usually similar objects or people, esp if sent off, handled, or arriving at the same time
2. the bread, cakes, etc, produced at one baking
3. the amount of a material needed for an operation
4. Also calledbatch loaf a tall loaf having a close texture and a thick crust on the top and bottom, baked as part of a batch: the sides of each loaf are greased so that they will pull apart after baking to have pale crumby sides; made esp in Scotland and Ireland Compare pan loaf

verb

1. to group (items) for efficient processing
2. to handle by batch processing

batch

²

/ bætʃ /

verb

1. intr (of a man) to do his own cooking and housekeeping
2. to live alone

Word History and Origins

Origin of batch¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English bache “amount of bread produced in one baking,” Old English gebæc; akin to German Gebäck “pastry, cakes”; bake

Word History and Origins

Origin of batch¹

C15 bache ; related to Old English bacan to bake ; compare Old English gebæc batch, German Gebäck

Example Sentences

We were there to discuss Yoakam’s new album, the singer’s first batch of new songs in nine years.

From Los Angeles Times

That desire resulted in “The Fall,” which will be part of the first batch of episodes to roll out digitally Thursday and will be broadcast on PBS on Nov. 21.

From Los Angeles Times

In Java, the Indonesian birthplace of oncom, oncom leftovers are used much like seeds to grow a new batch of the alternative protein — a process similar to using sourdough starter to make bread.

From Salon

If just one was carrying a virus, the entire batch could be contaminated.

From BBC

The order had been made through Neal’s Yard Dairy, an upmarket cheese seller and wholesaler, and the first batch of Hafod arrived at its London base in September.

From BBC

Related Words

• amount
• array
• assortment
• bunch
• bundle
• cluster
• collection
• lot
• parcel
• quantity
• shipment
• volume