To bunt means to deliberately tap a baseball gently with the bat instead of taking a full swing. A batter bunts by holding the bat steady and letting the ball bounce off it, making it roll slowly into the infield. This surprises the fielders, who have to rush in to grab the ball while the batter sprints to first base.

Bunting requires good timing and control. A successful bunt drops the ball in that tricky spot between the pitcher's mound and the bases, giving fielders only a second or two to make the play. Players often bunt to help teammates advance to the next base, sacrificing their own chance to get a hit for the good of the team.

The word can also mean to push something gently with your head or horns, the way a goat might bunt against your leg. But in baseball, a bunt is that clever little tap that keeps the defense on its toes.