baton

A baton is a slender, cylindrical rod used in a variety of contexts. It can serve as a functional staff, a musical conducting tool, a relay racing implement, a ceremonial object, or a status symbol or tool of defense.

In music, the baton is carried by conductors to cue entries, indicate tempo, and shape phrasing and dynamics. It is usually made of wood or a synthetic material and is intentionally lightweight. Typical batons are designed with a rounded tip to minimize contact while clearly marking movements and beats. The practice of using a baton in conducting developed over several centuries and remains a standard feature in orchestral performances.

In track and field, a baton is a hollow cylindrical tube exchanged between runners in relay races. The baton must be passed within a designated exchange zone, and the device is designed to be smooth and uniform to ensure a quick handoff. It is commonly made from lightweight materials such as plastic, resin, or composite substances.

A baton is also a non-lethal impact weapon used by police and security personnel. Known as a nightstick or truncheon, it is typically a rigid, blunt instrument made from wood, polycarbonate, or metal. Use is governed by training, policy, and law, with emphasis on minimizing harm.

Other uses include baton twirling, a performance art involving synchronized handling of multiple batons, and ceremonial or symbolic batons carried in parades or as emblems of office or rank.

The term baton derives from the French baton meaning stick, reflecting its simple, stick-like form.