slaying

noun

slay·​ing ˈslā-iŋ How to pronounce slaying (audio)
plural slayings
Synonyms of slayingnext
: the act of killing a person : killing, murder
—used chiefly in journalistic writing
a gangland slaying
Sunday's slayings bring to 14 the number of killings this year in what police call gang-related attacks.—Peter Stein
He is accused of ordering the 1989 slayings and robberies of three drug dealers …—Joseph P. Fried

Synonyms of slaying

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Examples of slaying in a Sentence

a man wanted for the slaying of seven people during an armed robbery
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.
The case had entered a stunning new phase as Bryan Kohberger—the man who pleaded guilty and was convicted of the mass slaying last July, avoiding a high-profile murder trial and the death penalty as part of his plea deal—reversed course. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026 The suspect sought in a deadly 2015 south Sacramento shooting has been captured by sheriff’s detectives and is facing murder and firearms charges in the slaying. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026 For many, official pledges of justice ring hollow in a country where few gang slayings are resolved beyond what critics call token arrests, typically of low-level hit men and not the masterminds. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 On the day of the slaying, Lockhart had suspected that his girlfriend was cheating on him. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slaying

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slaying was in the 14th century

Rhymes for slaying

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of slaying for Spanish Speakers

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