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

The Marlins entered Wednesday with an opponents’ batting average of .216, third-best in the majors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Stokes asked his players to dig in, and did so himself with his own batting tempo.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

No. 1-ranked UCLA, known for its powerful batting order from one to nine, turned to its pitching staff on Friday in New Jersey to pull out a 4-1 victory over Rutgers in 14 innings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

He coached for Team USA and threw batting practice there, too.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Moths hover, batting their wings at the streetlights; the moon is almost full.

From "Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes