slab

noun

\ ˈslab

Definition of slab

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a thick plate or slice (as of stone, wood, or bread): such as

a : the outside piece cut from a log in squaring it

b : concrete pavement (as of a road) specifically : a strip of concrete pavement laid as a single unjointed piece

c(1) : a flat rectangular architectural element that is usually formed of a single piece or mass a concrete foundation slab

(2) : a rectangular building having little width with respect to its length and usually height

2 : something that resembles a slab (as in size, shape, or density) backed up by a solid slab of reference material — The Times Literary Supplement (London)

3 : a hard plastic holder for a collectible coin and an identifying insert

slab

verb

slabbed; slabbing

Definition of slab (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to remove an outer slab from slab a log

b : to divide or form into slabs

2 : to cover or support (something, such as a roadbed or roof) with slabs

3 : to put on thickly

slab

adjective

Definition of slab (Entry 3 of 3)

dialectal, chiefly England

: thick, viscous

Other Words from slab More Example Sentences Learn More about slab

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Examples of slab in a Sentence

Noun

a thick slab of homemade bread

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

His big, slab-like baritone, with its easy power, projected Germont’s absolute determination to get his way, using any means possible, from emotional blackmail to casual cruelty. — Heidi Waleson, WSJ, "‘La Traviata’ at the Met Review: Marvelous Musicality," 5 Dec. 2018 The slab-sided semi-automatic handgun holds seven rounds of .45 ACP ammunition and was the standard sidearm of the U.S. military from World War I to the 1980s, a remarkable longevity. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "When the Singer Sewing Machine Company Built the Best .45 Pistol Ever Made," 21 Sep. 2018 The Ox, a slab-sided, flatpack vehicle designed to bring mobility to the developing world, just took one step closer to reality. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, "Ox, the truck that can be packed flat like Ikea furniture, is headed to pre-production," 21 Apr. 2018 At highway speeds, the slab-sided Versa gets batted about by crosswinds, making for an unnerving driving experience. — Car and Driver, "2018 Nissan Versa," 29 Mar. 2018 An interior waterfall lowers the temperature, adjacent to a contemplative open space beneath the slabs. — Julie V. Iovine, WSJ, "The Best Architecture of 2018: Building for Complex Experiences," 14 Dec. 2018 Wiring dangles from ceilings in rooms that look out at the massive grey slabs of the separation barrier. — Washington Post, "AP PHOTOS: Unfinished Palestinian parliament a grim symbol," 6 July 2018 In addition to detecting accidents, Sylvester said, the smart slabs will connect to motorists' cellphones to provide real-time alerts about traffic and road hazards. — David Cox /, NBC News, "Can smart roads save lives? New test may provide answer," 25 June 2018 In Venezuela's struggling economy, thieves have been prying the plaques off graves to sell the bronze slabs in the black market. — Bloomberg.com, "Bloomberg’s Week in Pictures," 21 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Brazil, which primarily exports slab steel to US manufacturers, is hoping to escape by agreeing on limited quotas for more sophisticated products. — Jack Ewing And Ana Swanson, BostonGlobe.com, "US allies brace for trade war as tariff negotiations stall," 29 Apr. 2018 Brazil, which primarily exports slab steel to American manufacturers, is hoping to escape by agreeing on limited quotas for more sophisticated products. — Jack Ewing And Ana Swanson, New York Times, "U.S. Allies Brace for Trade War as Tariff Negotiations Stall," 29 Apr. 2018 Wipers can be found in the same areas trolling crankbaits, slabbing, or using live bait. — Tyler Mahoney, kansascity, "Fishing report: Looking for hot spots? Here's where the fish are biting | The Kansas City Star," 14 Mar. 2018 Try trolling crankbaits, slabbing, or using live bait. — Tyler Mahoney, kansascity, "Fishing report: Prospects should improve if the winds stay calm | The Kansas City Star," 7 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'slab.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.