slattern

1 of 2

noun

slat·​tern ˈsla-tərn How to pronounce slattern (audio)
: an untidy slovenly woman
also : slut, prostitute

slattern

2 of 2

adjective

Examples of slattern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Jo (Rita Tushingham, a 19-year-old newcomer then) is encumbered by her slattern mother (Dora Bryan). Andy Webster, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slattern.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from German schlottern to hang loosely, slouch; akin to Dutch slodderen to hang loosely, slodder slut

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1639, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slattern was circa 1639

Dictionary Entries Near slattern

Cite this Entry

“Slattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slattern. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

slattern

noun
slat·​tern
ˈslat-ərn
: an untidy sloppy woman

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