slit

1 of 2

noun

: a long narrow cut or opening
slit adjective
a slit skirt [=a skirt with a vertical slit at the hem]
slitless adjective

slit

2 of 2

verb

slit; slitting

transitive verb

1
a
: to make a slit in
b
: to cut off or away : sever
c
: to form into a slit
2
: to cut into long narrow strips
slitter noun

Examples of slit in a Sentence

Noun You could see through the slit in the fence. The skirt has a slit on one side. a dress with a slit skirt Verb I slit the bag open at the top. The bag of seeds had been slit open.
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.
Noun
Unlike its frumpy counterparts, the body-skimming dress adds intrigue with its ruched bodice, puff sleeves, open back, and side slit. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024 Thanks to those interruptions, an observer peering through the moving slits would perceive animation. Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
Testers appreciated thoughtful features including the wide and stretchy thumb slits on the sleeves, a ponytail hole on the snug hood, and a small zipper pocket on the lower hem for stashing coffee money or a house key. Samantha Berman, Outside Online, 29 Oct. 2024 The New Arrivals has grown into a red carpet and afterparty fashion brand known for its glamorous gowns and statement slits, two-pieces and a homage to coral pink, which sits at the core of this collection. Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slit 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from slitten

Verb

Middle English slitten; akin to Middle High German slitzen to slit, Old High German slīzan to tear apart, Old English sciell shell — more at shell

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of slit was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near slit

Cite this Entry

“Slit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slit. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

slit

1 of 2 verb
slit; slitting
1
a
: to make a slit in : slash
b
: to cut off or away : sever
2
: to cut into long narrow strips
slitter noun

slit

2 of 2 noun
: a long narrow cut or opening
slit adjective
slitless
-ləs
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on slit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!