Battered describes something that has been beaten, hit repeatedly, or damaged through rough treatment. When a book becomes battered from being read dozens of times, its cover might be creased, its spine cracked, and its pages dog-eared. A battered old pickup truck shows dents, scratches, and rust from years of hard use.

The word often suggests wear that comes from use rather than deliberate destruction. A chef's battered wooden spoon has cooked thousands of meals. A battered suitcase has traveled through many airports. These objects show their history through their damage.

In cooking, battered means coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and liquid before frying. Battered fish or chicken gets dipped in this thick coating, which becomes crispy and golden when cooked.