slouch

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: an awkward fellow : lout
b
: one that is unimpressive
especially : a lazy or incompetent person
used in negative constructions
was no slouch at cooking
2
: a gait or posture characterized by an ungainly stooping of the head and shoulders or excessive relaxation of body muscles

slouch

2 of 2

verb

slouched; slouching; slouches

intransitive verb

1
: to walk, stand, or sit with a slouch : assume a slouch
2
: droop
3
: to go or move slowly or reluctantly

transitive verb

: to cause to droop
slouched his shoulders
sloucher noun

Examples of slouch in a Sentence

Noun She walks with a slouch. is no slouch when it comes to cooking Verb Sit up straight. Please don't slouch. She slouched into the room. The boy was slouching over his school books.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
As impressive as the livery may be, the car beneath it is no slouch. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024 Smooth and supple Italian leather gives a subtle slouch to the east-west silhouette. Paula Lee, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2024 However, Bellator heavyweight champion American Ryan Bader, who is 31-7, is no slouch in the ring either with a hunger to be the best of the best in mixed martial arts. Rudie Obias, Variety, 24 Feb. 2024 The Macan 4 isn't a slouch and can send up to 402 hp (300 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) to its wheels, so launching up a highway on-ramp to 60 mph should take 4.9 seconds. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 25 Jan. 2024 The backdrop — a swanky golf resort — is picturesque, and chef Jeremy Ford is no slouch, either, with his Stubborn Seed Michelin star, James Beard Award nods and impressive career on national TV. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2024 The West Virginia Democrats who got swept away were no slouches, either. Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2023 Its other engine is humor: The scenes that take place in 1809 are, for a long time, high comedy in the Oscar Wilde vein, and the play’s modern characters are no slouches in the wit department either. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2023 Amex’s bank accounts are no slouch in the rewards department, either. Martha C. White, wsj.com, 8 Nov. 2023
Verb
The building, constructed in 1765 as a farmhouse, began to slouch in the 19th century because of coal mining under its foundations. Megan Specia, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Renny Antonio Parra Paredes slouched in his chair, wearing a tan prison uniform with his hands cuffed and ankles shackled, as his attorney argued for a bail application. Maria Paronich, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2024 Afterward, Franks slouched toward the semi-karat golden arches, joining the corporate boards of Bank of America, Chuck E. Cheese, and the like—still a man on the make. Matt Farwell, Harper's Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023 Another shows that those who slouched walking down a hallway had less energy throughout the day than those who skipped (presumably with a straighter spine). Thessaly La Force, Vogue, 18 Jan. 2024 Crafted in faux-suede, the fabric offers a slight stretch and soft, warm inner lining, great for both fall temperatures and to keep the boots themselves from slouching beyond comfort. Tanisha Pina, Peoplemag, 19 Oct. 2023 Unlike other classic donut travel pillows, this one has an adjustable clasp for chin support and straps that attach to an airplane seat, to help keep your head in place (translation: no uncomfortable slouching or waking up in a wonky position). Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2023 A lot of people actually fall into that camp, Pierson explains, since today’s common work culture involves lots of time slouched forward at a desk, which can tighten chest muscles and round the back. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 8 Dec. 2023 He was allowed to be a stud with eyewear — a far cry from the legendary Christopher Reeve, who used slouching, a comb and oversize spectacles to cover up his Superman’s charisma and charm. David Betancourt, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slouch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1515, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1754, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slouch was in 1515

Dictionary Entries Near slouch

Cite this Entry

“Slouch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slouch. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

slouch

1 of 2 noun
1
: an awkward, lazy, or unqualified person
2
: a manner of walking, sitting, or standing characterized by an awkward stooping of head and shoulders

slouch

2 of 2 verb
: to walk, sit, or stand with a slouch
sloucher noun

More from Merriam-Webster on slouch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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