baton

A short, thick stick used by police as a weapon.

• The officer carried a baton.
• Police used batons to push the crowd back.
• He was struck on the arm with a baton.

Similar words: truncheon, nightstick, club

Common phrases: police baton, baton charge, carry a baton

A small stick that runners pass to the next person on their team in a relay race.

• He dropped the baton.
• Each runner carries the baton for one lap.
• Did she pass the baton before leaving the marked area?

How to use it: pass the baton to someone (She passed the baton to the next runner.)

Similar words: relay stick

Common phrases: relay baton, pass the baton, drop the baton

A thin stick used by someone leading musicians to show when and how to play.

• The conductor raised her baton.
• His baton moved in time with the music.
• She conducts the orchestra without a baton.

Common phrases: conductor's baton, raise the baton, wave a baton

A short diagonal stripe on a coat of arms, sometimes used to show a person's family position.

• The shield bears a red baton.
• A baton sinister crosses the family arms.
• The herald added a baton to distinguish this branch of the family.

Common phrases: baton sinister, a heraldic baton, a red baton

To hit someone with a short, thick stick, especially one carried by police.

• The officers batoned the protesters.
• He was batoned during the riot.
• Witnesses saw police baton people near the gate.

Similar words: club

Common phrases: baton someone, baton the protesters, baton the crowd