slat

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈslat How to pronounce slat (audio)
slatted; slatting
Synonyms of slatnext

transitive verb

1
: strike, pummel
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
ˈsla-təd How to pronounce slat (audio)
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
Teslas charged quietly in the corner of the parking lot, tucked behind a low, slatted wall that blocks the bustle of Blue Lakes traffic. — Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026 Siale, who transferred from Hawaii during last season, is slatted to play left tackle. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
In the living area on the first floor, his built-ins include slats to hide a sound system and deep storage for firewood. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 13 Aug. 2026 The rustproof aluminum frame is finished in a durable black powder coat with faux-wood slats that mimic real wood without the upkeep. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for slat

See All Rhymes for slat

Browse Nearby Words

slash pocket
slat
slat-back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slat. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for slat

Nglish: Translation of slat for Spanish Speakers

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