batik

noun

ba·​tik bə-ˈtēk  ˈba-tik 

1

a

: a fabric printed by an Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed

also : the method itself

b

: a design executed in batik

2

a

: a method of decorating an egg or other object by coating parts of the object's surface with wax to resist dye

… a Russian method of egg decorating known as batik.

—Susan Antigone

Ukrainian batik eggs

It's a 2,000-year-old art that involves painting symbolic designs on eggs in batik style.

—Leo Smith

b

: a design so executed

For a batik effect, hard-boil the eggs and while they are still warm criss-cross thick elastic bands around each one.

—Jane Phillimore et al.

Examples of batik in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designer Amanda Lindroth spearheaded the interiors, achieving true Southern flair by combining sunny batik prints and textural linen fabrics with white-washed walls and honey oak floors. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024

Its most striking detail is the replica of the original ceiling in the reception area: a kaleidoscopic collection of batik panels designed by de Silva. —Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2023

Yet Kame Kngwarreye, who died in 1996, had created ceremonial paintings and batiks for years before then. —Jillian Steinhauer, The New Republic, 21 Aug. 2023

Christine teaches block printing, indigo dyeing, tie-dyeing, weaving, marbling, screen printing, batik, and cyanotyping. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023

Some of batik’s greatest promoters, as far back as the mid-19th century, were female entrepreneurs. —Hannah Beech, New York Times, 30 June 2023

Much of the cotton used for batik wasn’t grown in Indonesia, blunting the authenticity of the art form. —Hannah Beech, New York Times, 30 June 2023

Meanwhile, in New York, Muur has launched a capsule collection of indigo batik. —Alexander Freeling, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2021

This season, reimagined form is yet again given to techniques such as hand batik and basket weaving, stand-out looks including striped kaftans; a tiered, multi-colored maxi skirt; an artful patchwork skirt set, and in a nutshell, pattern after alluring pattern. —Jamila Stewart, Essence, 14 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Javanese baṭik

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

batik

noun

ba·​tik bə-ˈtēk  ˈbat-ik 

1

: an Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed

2

: a design or fabric printed by batik