1 B2 idiomatic informal
To discuss or consider an idea informally within a group, without necessarily reaching a decision.
"We batted a few names round in the meeting but didn't settle on anything."
separable
bat round
B2 informal separable transitive
To discuss or consider an idea casually among a group of people.
In plain English
To talk about an idea with others by passing it around the group, like hitting a ball back and forth.
What does "bat round" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To pass a topic or question among members of a group for each to comment on.
"The committee batted the question round for twenty minutes before calling a vote."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bat (hit) something round in a circle — like a group hitting a ball between them.
Actually means
To talk about an idea with others by passing it around the group, like hitting a ball back and forth.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Often used in workplace or brainstorming settings. The particle can also appear as 'bat around' in American English with the same meaning.
Words that pair with "bat round"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea suggestion proposal option concept name
How to conjugate "bat round"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bat round
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bats round
he/she/it
Past simple
bated round
yesterday
Past participle
bated round
have + pp
-ing form
bating round
continuous
Hear "bat round" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bat round" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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