batten down
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To close or make watertight, referring to hatches and cargo.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To secure.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To prepare for adversity.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “batten down” mean?
To close or make watertight, referring to hatches and cargo.
Is “batten down” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.