batik

noun

1
a
: a fabric printed by an Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed
also : the method itself
b
: a design executed in batik
2
a
: a method of decorating an egg or other object by coating parts of the object's surface with wax to resist dye
… a Russian method of egg decorating known as batik.Susan Antigone
Ukrainian batik eggs
It's a 2,000-year-old art that involves painting symbolic designs on eggs in batik style.Leo Smith
b
: a design so executed
For a batik effect, hard-boil the eggs and while they are still warm criss-cross thick elastic bands around each one.Jane Phillimore et al.

Examples of batik in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its most striking detail is the replica of the original ceiling in the reception area: a kaleidoscopic collection of batik panels designed by de Silva. Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2023 Yet Kame Kngwarreye, who died in 1996, had created ceremonial paintings and batiks for years before then. Jillian Steinhauer, The New Republic, 21 Aug. 2023 Christine teaches block printing, indigo dyeing, tie-dyeing, weaving, marbling, screen printing, batik, and cyanotyping. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 Some of batik’s greatest promoters, as far back as the mid-19th century, were female entrepreneurs. Hannah Beech, New York Times, 30 June 2023 Much of the cotton used for batik wasn’t grown in Indonesia, blunting the authenticity of the art form. Hannah Beech, New York Times, 30 June 2023 Meanwhile, in New York, Muur has launched a capsule collection of indigo batik. Alexander Freeling, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2021 This season, reimagined form is yet again given to techniques such as hand batik and basket weaving, stand-out looks including striped kaftans; a tiered, multi-colored maxi skirt; an artful patchwork skirt set, and in a nutshell, pattern after alluring pattern. Jamila Stewart, Essence, 14 Sep. 2022 The cross-cultural integration is evident via references to Allah in ceremonial song and photographs of Yolŋu wrapped in batik print dating back to 1913. Megha Kapoor, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'batik.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Javanese baṭik

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of batik was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near batik

Cite this Entry

“Batik.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/batik. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

batik

noun
1
: an Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed
2
: a design or fabric printed by batik

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