slasher

noun

slash·​er ˈsla-shər 

plural slashers

1

: someone or something that slashes

especially : a person who mutilates or kills with an edged blade

Sociopathic slashers terrorize the Adirondacks, but can they foil a motley crew of campers from Manhattan?

—Kirkus Reviews

2

: a horror story (especially a movie or book) in which the villain is a serial killer and especially a slasher

—often used before another noun

A gory, … not-for-the-weak, slasher novel for teens.

—Carol Youssif

… my youngest son is a big fan of slasher movies. … where he got this affinity for films featuring large knives and chainsaws and, oh, yes, some actual actors is a mystery.

—Gary Smith

Examples of slasher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Onslaught Is All Blood, No Guts Adam Wingard’s latest film is a too-slick wannabe grindhouse action-slasher lacking the engine necessary to power it. — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

One player takes the role of Michael Myers, the relentless slasher from the classic 1978 movie. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

In a final nod to Friday the 13th, the 1980 slasher that spawned one of the most legendary horror franchises of all time, Ian shared that his father will be remembered later this year on the iconic titular date. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

McGowan, who appeared in the supporting role of Tatum in the 1996 Scream slasher, paid tribute to Panettiere in an Instagram post lamenting the actress’ death and calling for action against how children are treated in the entertainment industry. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for slasher

• asher
• brasher
• dasher
• flasher
• lasher
• masher
• thrasher
• haberdasher