batik: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialised, artistic, cultural
Quick answer
What does “batik” mean?
A method of dyeing fabric where parts are covered with wax to resist dye, creating patterns.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of dyeing fabric where parts are covered with wax to resist dye, creating patterns; also, the fabric decorated by this method.
Any object, artwork, or design that resembles or is inspired by the traditional dye-resist technique, sometimes used metaphorically to describe layered or intricate patterning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Equally associated with traditional Indonesian/Javanese craft, world art, and textile design in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but standard in art, textile, fashion, and cultural contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “batik” in a Sentence
Noun: She bought a beautiful batik.Modifier: He attended a batik class.Noun (uncountable): Batik requires patience and skill.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “batik” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She learned to batik at a community centre course.
- They spent the afternoon batiking silk scarves.
American English
- She learned how to batik in her textile arts class.
- We're going to batik some t-shirts for the fundraiser.
adverb
British English
- Not standard; no adverb form.
American English
- Not standard; no adverb form.
adjective
British English
- She wore a stunning batik dress to the wedding.
- The museum has a fine batik collection.
American English
- He bought a beautiful batik wall hanging for his apartment.
- She's teaching a batik workshop next month.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail, textile import/export, and tourism marketing (e.g., 'Our boutique specialises in authentic Indonesian batik').
Academic
Appears in art history, anthropology, cultural studies, and textile design papers (e.g., 'The symbolism in Javanese court batik').
Everyday
Used when discussing crafts, souvenirs, clothing, or home decor (e.g., 'She wore a lovely batik skirt to the party').
Technical
Specific to textile arts, discussing techniques like canting application, dye vat types, and wax removal.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “batik”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “batik”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “batik”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈbeɪtɪk/.
- Using as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I batiked a shirt' is non-standard; prefer 'I made a batik shirt').
- Capitalising it (not a proper noun unless part of a title, e.g., 'Javanese Batik').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a fully naturalised loanword from Javanese (via Dutch/Indonesian), found in English dictionaries.
In specialised craft contexts, it is sometimes used as a verb (e.g., 'to batik a scarf'), but it is less common and considered informal/non-standard by some dictionaries. The noun use is dominant.
Batik is most strongly associated with Indonesia, particularly Java, where it has deep cultural and historical significance. Similar resist-dye techniques exist in other cultures, but the word 'batik' specifically refers to the Javanese-originated art form.
No. True batik refers specifically to fabric patterned using the wax-resist dyeing technique. Machine-printed imitations of batik patterns are not considered authentic batik.
A method of dyeing fabric where parts are covered with wax to resist dye, creating patterns.
Batik is usually specialised, artistic, cultural in register.
Batik: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbætɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /bəˈtiːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BATIK = 'BATtIk' (imagine a BAT making intricate TICK patterns with wax on fabric).
Conceptual Metaphor
BATIK IS A LAYERED HISTORY (each dye layer adds to the story, like wax preserving parts of the past).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of batik as a textile technique?