bat
/bæt/ UK /bæt/ · US /bæt/
A short a CVC word (æ) in the animals category. It belongs to the -at word family.
animalsHear bat
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “bat”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /b/ – /æ/ – /t/ → bat.
Example Sentences with Bat
- The bat flew in the cave.
- He hit the ball with a bat.
- The bat flew in the cave.
- He hit the ball with a bat.
- A bat hangs upside down.
How to Spell “bat”
Children most often write this word as bat, bta, batt. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- The short a /æ/ keeps the mouth wide open.
- Watch out: "bat" has one letter between two consonants, so no doubling is needed.
- Practise "bat, cat, hat, mat" together.
Phonics Tip for Bat
"bat" is the anchor word of the -at family. Once a child can read "bat" confidently, they can usually read "cat", "hat", "mat" and "rat" without help.
Fun Facts About Bat
Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. A bat navigates in total darkness by emitting ultrasonic calls and listening to the echoes, a system called echolocation.
More Words in the -at Family
Words that rhyme with bat and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short a sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Bat
- All short a CVC words — 59 words
- The -at word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets