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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
In the kitchen, Robbins designed custom cabinetry that feels like an extension of his Pippin collection, mimicking its cylindrical legs, slatted doors, and circular pulls with brass centers. Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 Commercial farming methods have relegated these animals to confinement in large sheds on bare concrete or slatted flooring without any mental stimulation or basic comforts, causing frustration, boredom, and physical distress. Miyun Park, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2012
Noun
Harris’ first stop was the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Douglas, where tall metal slats are wrapped in barbed wire. Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024 Wood slats eliminate the need for a bulky boxspring, which keeps your space looking sleek. Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slat 

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 21 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on slat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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