slang

1 of 2

noun

1
: language peculiar to a particular group: such as
a
: argot
2
: an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech
slang adjective
slangily adverb
slanginess noun
slangy adjective

slang

2 of 2

verb

slanged; slanging; slangs

intransitive verb

: to use slang or vulgar abuse

transitive verb

: to abuse with harsh or coarse language

Examples of slang in a Sentence

Noun tends to use too much hacker's slang when talking to coworkers about their computer problems
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.
Noun
That word first exploded onto the scene in World War II Britain as Royal Air Force slang for a bomb of enough penetrating power to shatterwhole blocks of homes and pavements. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025 The second effort brought in 11 local partners (small, medium and large businesses) who offered practical advice on how to responsibly enjoy beaches, forests, and even Puerto Rican slang. Josh Rivera, USA Today, 18 June 2025 But ‘dust’ also has another meaning in [Thai] slang. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 Twain dared to buck the expectations of critics by using the colloquial dialect and slang of those with little education. Kyra Davis Lurie june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for slang

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1817, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of slang was in 1756

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slang. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

slang

noun
ˈslaŋ
1
: special language used by a particular group
2
: an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed of invented words, changed words, and exaggerated or humorous figures of speech
slang adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on slang

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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