slat

1 of 3

verb (1)

slatted; slatting

transitive verb

1
2
: to hurl or throw smartly

slat

2 of 3

noun

1
: a thin narrow flat strip especially of wood or metal
2
slats plural, slang : ribs
3
: an auxiliary airfoil at the leading edge of the wing of an airplane
slat adjective
slatted adjective

slat

3 of 3

verb (2)

slatted; slatting

transitive verb

: to make or equip with slats

Examples of slat in a Sentence

Noun the slats of a venetian blind The fence has two broken slats.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Its top is made from strong and solid acacia wood that displays slat paneling for a more sophisticated, timeless finish. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2023 The residence now has slatted accent siding of Meranti hardwood, full-height windows framing panoramic territorial views and an entryway with a view corridor to the backyard. Jeastman, oregonlive, 13 Sep. 2023 The original dual-sided fireplace wall shared by the living room and dining area is clad in reclaimed Alder slatting. Jeastman, oregonlive, 13 Sep. 2023 The sleds have slatted wooden beds covered with reindeer skins, with a ledge for the driver. Taymour Soomro Scott Conarroe, New York Times, 10 May 2023 Keep in mind that the way in which the roof is slatted will provide more or less shade. Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 28 Mar. 2023
Noun
Wooden, Norman, and the prospect instead circled a pair of orange crates pushed together for a table in the alley outside the back door and Johnson draped a tablecloth over the wood slats of the boxes. Scott Howard-Cooper., Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Tall narrow slats of limewood (or linden) were butt-joined with glue. Christopher Knight, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2024 Still, Ford felt a pang when watching a load of burros leave the site, their ears visible through slats in the trailer. The Arizona Republic, 22 Jan. 2024 The slats are designed to provide optimal support for your mattress, reduce noise, and offer breathability. Erica Reagle, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 The wood slats are designed with noise-free foam to avoid squeaking sounds. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2024 Their prototype would move back and forth between L1 and another equilibrium point, with the sail tilting between pointing to the sun and being perpendicular to it, moving like a slat on a venetian blind. Cara Buckley, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024 There are also strands within many window coverings called inner cords that hold the slats together and can pose a strangulation hazard as well. Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 20 Dec. 2023 Far from being an eyesore, this hamper boasts lightweight yet sturdy bamboo slats built to endure for years. Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse sletta to throw carelessly

Noun

Middle English sclate, slate slate

First Known Use

Verb (1)

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slat was circa 1587

Dictionary Entries Near slat

Cite this Entry

“Slat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slat. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

slat

noun
ˈslat
: a thin narrow flat strip of wood, plastic, or metal
the slats of a venetian blind
slatted
ˈslat-əd
adjective

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