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

Let cool slightly before lifting out the slab and transferring to a wire rack (discard the foil once cooled). — Becky Krystal, The Denver Post, "The key to these gooey, chocolaty blondies? Open sesame.," 3 June 2019 Although the slab-sided B-52 is far from stealthy, against opponents without sophisticated air defenses the lack of stealth is not really a problem. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Why the U.S. Just Deployed B-52s to the Middle East," 8 May 2019 Bonuses are already being blown with preorders for this bite of lunch: a five-ounce slab of beef nearly an inch thick, trimmed to fit a square of white bread, and deep-fried in a wrap of panko. — Florence Fabricant, New York Times, "Restaurant Bets You’ll Pay $180 for a Sandwich (Fries Included)," 25 June 2018 Elsewhere, the foursome has been heralded as a potential savior, or at least forerunner, for a wider classic-rock revival — a slab of uninvited pressure the group seems content to take aboard. — Brian Mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "Young and hungry, Greta Van Fleet returns to Detroit as a rock-conquering hero," 20 May 2018 Renowned Austin pit master John Lewis steers the food program, and the menu is simple, but abundant—large slabs of slow-smoked, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, smoked sausages, and an array of sides, like fluffy cornbread and tangy coleslaw. — Stephanie Burt, Condé Nast Traveler, "28 Best Restaurants in Charleston," 2 May 2018 Yosemite rock fall: In July 1996, a slab of granite estimated at 78,000 cubic yards dislodged off Washburn Point and fell 1,800 feet at 160 mph to the valley floor at Happy Isles. — Tom Stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, "Adventures in the shadow of nature’s greatest powers," 29 Apr. 2018 Many lots are barren, save for concrete slabs where houses once stood. — Arian Campo-flores, WSJ, "Flattened by Hurricane Michael, Florida Town Tries to Stave Off Big Development," 3 Apr. 2019 Ghani supervised one Tuesday evening as a crane lifted one of the slabs, known as T-walls, that had long hulked over a road in downtown Baghdad. — Nabih Bulos, The Seattle Times, "Baghdad, once a jewel among Arab capitals, is barely functional," 28 Jan. 2019

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.