batik

or bat·tik

[ buh-teek, bat-ik ]

noun

1. a technique of hand-dyeing fabrics by using wax as a dye repellent to cover parts of a design, dyeing the uncovered fabric with a color or colors, and dissolving the wax in boiling water.
2. the fabric so decorated.

verb (used with object)

1. to hand-dye (material) using the technique of batik.

batik

/ ˈbætɪk /

noun

1. 1. a process of printing fabric in which parts not to be dyed are covered by wax
   2. fabric printed in this way
   3. ( as modifier )

      a batik shirt

Word History and Origins

Origin of batik¹

First recorded in 1875–80, batik is from the Javanese word baṭik

Word History and Origins

Origin of batik¹

C19: via Malay from Javanese: painted

Example Sentences

In the early 1970s, she opened a business, China Seas, which imported intricately dyed batik fabrics from Indonesia.

From New York Times

Robinson was still in her pajamas — a pink Indian batik printed with cats; fabulous — and paused to roll up the shades and welcome room service.

From New York Times

But BINhouse, her fashion house, has become a global force in spreading batik’s beauty.

From New York Times

And when Ms. Komara turned her attention to batik, it was, despite being woven into Indonesian society, in danger of just that.

From New York Times

Musk, who is chief executive of both companies, appeared lit by candles, wearing a batik shirt sent by the organisers and said he was speaking from a place that had just lost power.

From Reuters