slather

1 of 2

noun

slath·​er ˈsla-t͟hər How to pronounce slather (audio)
Synonyms of slathernext
: a great quantity
—often used in plural

slather

2 of 2

verb

slathered; slathering ˈsla-t͟hə-riŋ How to pronounce slather (audio)
ˈslat͟h-riŋ

transitive verb

1
: to use or spend in a wasteful or lavish manner : squander
2
a
: to spread thickly or lavishly
slathered sunscreen on her skin
b
: to spread something thickly or lavishly on
slathered her skin with sunscreen

Examples of slather in a Sentence

Verb We ate lobster slathered with butter.
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
Each type has its own purpose, and using the wrong method, or slathering on too much (or too little), can seriously undermine results. — Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026 Perry, 41, looked completely at ease as her boyfriend lovingly slathered sunscreen down her dress as the couple embarked on a romantic sunset cruise with friends. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 Dermatologists say most people slather on far too little sunscreen, which quietly slashes the protection printed on the bottle. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 The desserts are divine, especially the fluffy floating island, the perfect profiteroles, the crusty crème brûlée and the Trou Normand, a yummy apple sorbet slathered in Calvados. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slather

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slather was in 1843

Rhymes for slather

See All Rhymes for slather

Browse Nearby Words

slath
slather
slatier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slather. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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