slat

1 of 3

verb (1)

slatted; slatting
Synonyms of slatnext

transitive verb

1
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 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
Screen It Decorative screens or slatted wood panels are easy, effective options that blend well with most exteriors, according to Joe Waroquier, founder of Joe Waroquier HOME. Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 15 June 2026 Its cushioned chairs and slatted square side table create an idyllic place to sip coffee in the morning or watch the sunset at night, and the removable cushion covers are easy to wash when needed. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Noun
My relaxation space was a wooden bed that alternated between wide slats and screens. Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 13 June 2026 The puzzle-like slats holding the barrel together, called staves, are often used in his creations, incorporated into cocktail muddlers and cigar rests, not to mention a recent life-size buffalo made from the spent barrel pieces. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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

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