battery

noun

bat·tery | \ ˈba-t(ə-)rē

plural batteries

Definition of battery

1a : the act of beating someone or something with successive blows : the act of battering (see batter entry 1 sense 1)

b law : an offensive touching or use of force on a person without the person's consent evidence that supports a charge of battery — compare assault entry 1 sense 2a

2 [ Middle French batterie, from battre to beat ] military

a : a grouping of artillery pieces for tactical (see tactical sense 1a(1)) purposes a battery of cannon from the Revolutionary War

b : the guns of a warship the starboard battery

3 military : an artillery (see artillery sense 2b) unit in the army equivalent to a company (see company entry 1 sense 2b)

4a : a combination of apparatus for producing a single electrical effect a battery of generators

b : a group of two or more cells (see cell sense 5) connected together to furnish electric current also : a single cell that furnishes electric current need to replace the flashlight's batteries

c batteries plural : level of energy or enthusiasm needs a vacation to recharge her batteries

5a(1) : a number of similar articles, items, or devices arranged, connected, or used together : set, series ran through a battery of tests a battery of filing cabinets

(2) : a series of cages or compartments for raising or fattening poultry —often used before another noun battery chickensbattery farming

b : a usually impressive or imposing group : array a battery of specialists

6 : the position of readiness of a gun for firing the gun would not return to battery — Infantry Journal

7 baseball : the pitcher and catcher of a team one of the greatest batteries in baseball history

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about battery

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Examples of battery in a Sentence

I bought new batteries for the flashlights. The operation was performed by a battery of doctors.

Recent Examples on the Web

The notice of claim, which was filed Thursday, says the police officers committed battery, unlawful imprisonment, false arrest and infliction of emotional distress in addition to violating their civil rights. — Bree Burkitt, azcentral, "Family that claims Phoenix police pointed gun at children, used excessive force to file $10 million lawsuit," 13 June 2019 Predictably, the battery did catch fire, resulting in a costly three-month grounding of the Dreamliner fleet while a fix was devised. — Andrew Cockburn, Harper's magazine, "The Military-Industrial Virus," 10 June 2019 Avery Anderson, whose shortstop brother Asher moved behind the plate to form the brother-brother battery, got a fly out, a strikeout and a beautiful diving catch of a sinking liner in left field by Brady Poorman for the final out. — Monte Umsted, Pomerado News, "Trio combines for perfect Poway city championship win," 10 June 2019 There were 85 enemy machine gun nests, 35 rocket launching sites, 18 antitank guns, four artillery batteries, and 35 pillboxes, historian Cornelius Ryan wrote. — oregonlive.com, "D-Day survivor: ‘Why were they killed and I wasn’t? Why?'," 5 June 2019 There were 85 enemy machine gun nests, 35 rocket launching sites, 18 antitank guns, four artillery batteries, and 35 pillboxes, historian Cornelius Ryan wrote. — The Washington Post, al.com, "D-Day veteran wonders why he lived when so many others died," 3 June 2019 Wrap mini twinkle lights around the crown, keeping the battery pack in the back. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "5 Snapchat Filter Halloween Costumes You Should Rock IRL," 8 Aug. 2018 The battery for these electric or plug-in hybrid cars is a big deal. — Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, "A daughter of Detroit defies odds, takes car industry into the future," 13 July 2018 The meal setup included a cloth tablecloth, porcelain dishes, and a flickering votive candle — battery-operated; no flames allowed, of course. — Marilyn Jones, Philly.com, "'Flying chefs' in business class," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'battery.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for battery

battery

noun

English Language Learners Definition of battery

: a device that is placed inside a machine (such as a clock, toy, or car) to supply it with electricity

: a usually large group of similar people, things, or ideas that work together, are used together, etc.

: a group of two or more big guns used by the military

See the full definition for battery in the English Language Learners Dictionary

battery

noun

bat·tery | \ ˈba-tə-rē

plural batteries

Kids Definition of battery

1 : two or more big military guns that are controlled as a unit

2 : an electric cell or connected electric cells for providing electric current a flashlight battery

3 : a number of similar items or devices grouped together a battery of tests

4 : an unlawful touching or use of force on a person against his or her will

battery

noun

bat·tery | \ ˈbat-ə-rē, ˈba-trē

plural batteries

Medical Definition of battery

1a : a combination of apparatus for producing a single electrical effect

b : a group of two or more cells connected together to furnish electric current also : a single cell that furnishes electric current

2 : a group or series of tests especially : a group of intelligence or personality tests given to a subject as an aid in psychological analysis

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battery

noun

bat·tery | \ ˈba-tə-rē, -trē

Legal Definition of battery

: the crime or tort of intentionally or recklessly causing offensive physical contact or bodily harm (as by striking or by administering a poison or drug) that is not consented to by the victim — compare assault

— aggravated battery

: criminal battery that is accompanied by aggravating factors: as

a : criminal battery that causes or is intended to cause serious bodily injury especially through the use of a dangerous weapon

b : criminal battery committed on a protected person (as a minor or a police officer) — compare simple battery in this entry

Note: Aggravated battery is usually classified as a felony.

— sexual battery

: intentional and offensive sexual contact and especially sexual intercourse with a person who has not given or (as in the case of a child) is incapable of giving consent broadly : forced or coerced contact with the sexual parts of either the victim or the perpetrator — see also rape

Note: This is a broad definition of the offense. The specific elements of this crime vary from state to state, and some states use more narrow definitions.

— simple battery

: criminal battery that is not accompanied by aggravating factors (as a dangerous weapon) — compare aggravated battery in this entry

Note: Simple battery is usually classified as a misdemeanor.