slaughterous

adjective

slaugh·​ter·​ous ˈslȯ-tə-rəs How to pronounce slaughterous (audio)
: of or relating to slaughter : murderous
a slaughterous rampage
slaughterously adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For a brief moment from the Russian Revolution until 1923, the area rebelled and got a taste of independence as did so many countries before falling to the Red Army’s slaughterous advance. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2021 Congress passed the act in 1940 to check the slaughterous impact of recreational shooters, egg collectors and livestock farmers. Time Staff, Time, 28 June 2018

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

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slaughterous was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near slaughterous

Cite this Entry

“Slaughterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slaughterous. Accessed 2 Apr. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY