baton baton /ˈbæˌtɑːn, ˈbætən/

noun

1. () A thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir  ( wand , baton )
   a thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir
    The conductor used a baton to keep the tempo of the orchestra
   The conductor used a baton to keep the tempo of the orchestra
   
   
2. A hollow cylinder passed from runner to runner in a relay race  ( baton )
   a hollow cylinder passed from runner to runner in a relay race
    The relay team passed the baton smoothly to each other
   The relay team passed the baton smoothly to each other
   
   
3. A hollow metal rod that is wielded or twirled by a drum major or drum majorette  ( baton )
   a hollow metal rod that is wielded or twirled by a drum major or drum majorette
    The drum majorette twirled her baton with grace and precision during the parade.
   The drum majorette twirled her baton with grace and precision during the parade.
   
   
4. A short staff carried by some officials to symbolize an office or an authority  ( baton )
   a short staff carried by some officials to symbolize an office or an authority
    The conductor raised his baton, signaling the orchestra to begin.
   The conductor raised his baton, signaling the orchestra to begin.
   
   
5. A short stout club used primarily by policemen  ( baton , billy [Informal, N. American] , billy club [ N. American] , billystick [ N. American] , nightstick [ N. American] , truncheon )
   a short stout club used primarily by policemen