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SINCE 1828
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slaying

noun
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slay·​ing | \ ˈslā-iŋ How to pronounce slaying (audio) \
plural slayings

Definition of slaying

: the act of killing a person : killing, murder —used chiefly in journalistic writinga gangland slayingSunday's slayings bring to 14 the number of killings this year in what police call gang-related attacks.— Peter SteinHe is accused of ordering the 1989 slayings and robberies of three drug dealers …— Joseph P. Fried

First Known Use of slaying

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Slaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slaying. Accessed 26 Sep. 2020.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for slaying

Nglish: Translation of slaying for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of slaying for Arabic Speakers

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