baton

/bəˈtɑn/
noun
  1. A thin stick used by a conductor to direct an orchestra or band.
    • She studied the score carefully before lifting her baton.
    • He tapped the music stand with his baton to get the musicians' attention.
    • The conductor raised her baton and the orchestra began to play.
  2. A short stick or club carried by a police officer as a weapon.
    • He kept his baton clipped to his belt while on patrol.
    • The security guard carried a baton for protection.
    • The officer used her baton to break up the fight.
  3. A hollow metal tube passed from one runner to the next in a relay race.
    • The team practiced passing the baton at full speed.
    • She handed the baton to her teammate without dropping it.
    • He fumbled the baton and lost precious seconds in the race.
  4. A stick or staff used as a symbol of authority or office.
    • The field marshal carried a ceremonial baton during the parade.
    • The mayor received a silver baton as a symbol of her leadership.
    • In ancient times, a baton was often used to represent royal power.
What does "baton" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean