1. A thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir
   "The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began to play";
   - wand
    
2. A short staff carried by some officials to symbolize an office or an authority
   "The police officer carried a baton as part of his uniform"
    
3. A short stout club used primarily by policemen
   "The officer carried a baton as part of his standard equipment";
   - truncheon, nightstick [N. Amer], billy [N. Amer, informal], billystick [N. Amer], billy club [N. Amer]
    
4. A hollow metal rod that is wielded or twirled by a drum major or drum majorette
   "The drum majorette skilfully twirled her baton during the parade"
    
5. A hollow cylinder passed from runner to runner in a relay race
   "The sprinter fumbled the baton during the handoff"

Sounds like: batten

Derived forms: batons

Type of: club, rod, sports implement, staff

Encyclopedia: Baton