noun

• A small insectivorous Old World bat with jerky, erratic flight.

  Genus Pipistrellus, family Vespertilionidae: numerous species, including P. pipistrellus, which is the commonest bat in Eurasia

  ‘The jerky flight of the pipistrelle gave rise to the ancient name for bats - the flittermouse.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Western pipistrelles and Mexican free-tailed bats have staked their own claim on the chutes and shafts.’
  • ‘In the United Kingdom, pipistrelles and long eared bats have to date not been found to harbour European bat lyssaviruses.’
  • ‘Children at the upper school at East Kennett found a small pipistrelle bat clinging low on the wall on a rainy day in April.’
  • ‘The soprano is so-called because its echo-locater, or ultra-sonic voice, is higher pitched than that of its fellow pipistrelle.’
  • ‘About half the bats at St Hilda's are natterer's alongside brown long-eared bats and two types of pipistrelle.’