Examples of “batten” in a Sentence

noun A long, narrow strip of wood or metal used to strengthen, fasten, or hold something in place, especially in construction or on a ship.

• They nailed a batten across the fence to stop it sagging.

verb To fasten or secure something firmly, typically with battens — especially in the phrase "batten down."

• The crew battened down the hatches before the storm hit.

verb Followed by "on": to grow fat or prosper, often at someone else's expense.

• Landlords battened on the desperation of tenants during the housing crisis.