Definition of Batter
Quick Meaning of Batter
A wet, pourable mixture that you use to make cakes, pancakes, waffles, or to coat food before cooking.
Detailed Definition of Batter
A mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and other ingredients used for making pancakes, cakes, or coating food for frying.
How to Pronounce Batter
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'chatter' and 'matter'. Stress first syllable: BAT-ur. The double 't' keeps the 'a' short as in 'cat'.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it like 'bet-ur' with the wrong vowel; remember 'BAT' like in baseball.
Origin and Etymology of Batter
From Old French bate (to beat, strike); originally referred to beating or stirring ingredients together.
How to Use Batter in a Sentence
Each example shows “batter” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Pour the batter onto the hot griddle to make fresh pancakes for breakfast.”
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“The cake batter needs to sit for fifteen minutes before you bake it.”
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“Dip the fish in batter and then deep fry it until golden brown.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Batter
Common Synonyms for Batter
Smart Synonyms for Batter — When to Use Each
- mixture
- For the general ingredient combination in any recipe
- coating
- When emphasizing protection or layer before cooking
- preparation
- In formal or instructional cooking contexts
Common Collocations with Batter
These phrases pair with “batter” in everyday English:
- cake batter
- pancake batter
- pour batter
Common Mistakes When Using Batter
Even fluent speakers slip up with “batter”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The batters were spread on the pan.
- ✓ Correct: The batter was spread on the pan.
- Why: Batter is uncountable; use singular 'was' not plural 'were' for the mixture.
- ✗ Wrong: Make sure you have some batter ready for make crepes.
- ✓ Correct: Make sure you have some batter ready to make crepes.
- Why: Use 'to + verb' (infinitive) for purpose, not 'for + -ing' in this context.
Other Forms of Batter
- Noun: batter
Frequently Asked Questions About Batter
What is the meaning of "Batter"?
A wet, pourable mixture that you use to make cakes, pancakes, waffles, or to coat food before cooking.
How do you pronounce "Batter"?
The IPA is /ˈbætər/. Rhymes with 'chatter' and 'matter'. Stress first syllable: BAT-ur. The double 't' keeps the 'a' short as in 'cat'.
What part of speech is "Batter"?
"Batter" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Batter"?
Common synonyms include mixture, paste, preparation.
How do you use "Batter" in a sentence?
For example: "Pour the batter onto the hot griddle to make fresh pancakes for breakfast."