What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bats
Example
I saw a colony of bats flying out of the cave at dusk. [bats: noun]
Example
Bats use echolocation to navigate and find their prey in the dark. [echolocation: noun]
chiroptera
Example
Chiroptera is the second-largest order of mammals after rodents. [Chiroptera: noun]
Example
Bats belong to the Chiroptera order and are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. [Chiroptera: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bats is more commonly used than chiroptera in everyday language, especially when referring to the animals themselves or their behavior. Chiroptera is more commonly used in scientific or academic contexts when discussing the classification or evolutionary history of bats.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bats and chiroptera?
Bats is generally considered more informal and casual, suitable for everyday conversations or informal writing. Chiroptera, on the other hand, is more formal and scientific, making it more appropriate for academic or scientific discussions.
