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slap

verb
\ ˈslap \
slapped; slapping

Definition of slap

 (Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : to strike sharply with or as if with the open hand
b : to cause to strike with a motion or sound like that of a blow with the open hand
2 : to put, place, or throw with careless haste or force slapped on a coat of paint
3 : to subject to a penalty —usually used with with slapped him with a $10 fine
4 : to assail verbally : insult

slap

noun (1)

Definition of slap (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : a blow with the open hand
b : a quick sharp blow
2 : a noise like that of a slap
3 : rebuff, insult
slap on the wrist
: a gentle usually ineffectual reprimand

slap

adverb

Definition of slap (Entry 3 of 4)

: directly, smack

slap

noun (2)

Definition of slap (Entry 4 of 4)

dialectal British
: opening, breach
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about slap

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Examples of slap in a Sentence

Verb

 She slapped him across the face. He slapped me on the back and said “Good job!”. He called the dog by slapping his hand against his thigh. Waves were slapping against the side of the boat. Gentle waves slapped the side of the raft.

Adverb

 I walked slap into the post.
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First Known Use of slap

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (1)

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Adverb

1672, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for slap

Verb

akin to Low German slapp, noun blow

Adverb

probably from Low German slapp, from slapp, noun

Noun (2)

Middle English slop, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle Dutch slippen to slip

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Statistics for slap

Last Updated

14 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for slap

The first known use of slap was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for slap

slap

verb

English Language Learners Definition of slap

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to hit (someone or something) with the front or back of your open hand
: to hit something with a sound like the sound made when your hand slaps something
: to put (something) on a surface quickly or forcefully

slap

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of slap (Entry 2 of 2)

informal : exactly or directly

See the full definition for slap in the English Language Learners Dictionary

slap

verb
\ ˈslap \
slapped; slapping

Kids Definition of slap

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to strike with or as if with the open hand
2 : to make a sound like that of slapping Waves slap on the rocky shore.
3 : to put, place, or throw with careless haste or force She slapped her report on the desk.

slap

noun

Kids Definition of slap (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a quick sharp blow especially with the open hand
2 : a noise like that made by a blow with the open hand the slap of waves

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More from Merriam-Webster on slap

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with slap

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for slap

Spanish Central: Translation of slap

Nglish: Translation of slap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of slap for Arabic Speakers

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