slate

1 of 3

noun

ˈslāt 

1

: a piece of construction material (such as laminated rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and siding

2

: a dense fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the compression of various sediments (such as clay or shale) so as to develop a characteristic cleavage

3

: a tablet (as of slate) used for writing on

4

a

: a written or unwritten record (as of deeds)

started with a clean slate

b

: a list of candidates for nomination or election

5

a

: a dark purplish gray

b

: any of various grays similar in color to common roofing slates

slate adjective

slatelike

ˈslāt-ˌlīk 

adjective

slate

2 of 3

verb (1)

slated; slating

transitive verb

1

: to cover (something) with slate or a slatelike substance

slate a roof

2

: to designate (someone or something) for a specified purpose or action occurring especially at a fixed time

was slated to direct the play

The new model is slated [=scheduled] for release early next year.

slate

3 of 3

verb (2)

slated; slating

transitive verb

1

: to thrash or pummel severely

2

chiefly British : to criticize or censure severely

Synonyms of slate

Verb (1)

• schedule
• register
• enter
• record
• list
• catalog

Verb (2)

• lick
• pound
• hide
• pelt
• whip
• lash
• knock
• do
• batter
• assault
• hit
• slap
• attack
• bat
• beat
• smash
• punch
• tan
• box
• thump

Examples of slate in a Sentence

Noun

Some school blackboards are made of slate.

The house has a slate roof.

Verb (1)

you've been slated for a three o'clock interview

Verb (2)

ready to slate anyone who disagreed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Netflix The streaming giant will release its upcoming slate in the afternoon. —Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026

From a thriving artisanal craft tradition to a slate of luxury hospitality openings, Mallorca has a lot to offer these days to debunk its onetime reputation as a bland resort outpost. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026

Verb

First announced in 2024, the $100-million addition is slated for completion before the 2028 Summer Olympics. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Chopra and Hathaway, named global brand ambassadors in 2021 and 2022, respectively, wore statement pieces from Eclettica, the house’s latest high-jewelry collection, which is not slated for debut until March 23. —Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sclate, slate, from Anglo-French *esclat, from esclater to splinter, break off, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zesleizzen, slīzan to tear apart — more at slit

Verb (2)

probably alteration of slat entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing slate

• blank slate
• clean slate
• slate black
• slate blue
• slate gray
• wipe the slate clean

Rhymes for slate

• ate
• bait
• bate
• cate
• crate
• date
• eight
• fait
• fate
• fete
• frate
• freight

Kids Definition

slate

1 of 2 noun

ˈslāt 

1

: a piece of construction material (as layered rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and siding

2

: a dense fine-grained rock formed by compression of shales or other rocks that splits readily into thin layers or plates

3

: a tablet of material (as slate) used for writing on

4

a

: a written or unwritten record (as of deeds)

started with a clean slate

b

: a list of candidates for nomination or election

5

a

: a dark purplish gray

b

: a gray similar in color to common roofing slate

slate adjective

slatelike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

slate

2 of 2 verb

slated; slating

1

: to cover with slate or a slatelike substance

slate a roof

2

: to register or schedule for a special purpose or action

slate a meeting

slater noun