slaying

noun

slay·​ing ˈslā-iŋ How to pronounce slaying (audio)
plural slayings
Synonyms of slayingnext
: the act of killing a person : killing, murder
used chiefly in journalistic writing
a gangland slaying
Sunday's slayings bring to 14 the number of killings this year in what police call gang-related attacks.Peter Stein
He is accused of ordering the 1989 slayings and robberies of three drug dealers …Joseph P. Fried

Examples of slaying in a Sentence

a man wanted for the slaying of seven people during an armed robbery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jurors convicted Wilson of first-degree murder, plus a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait and an allegation of using a knife in the slaying. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026 The crimes of the executed have included the slayings of wives and children, store clerks and strangers. Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 20 May 2026 Robinson surrendered to authorities in southern Utah less than two days after the slaying. Michael Ruiz , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 The brutal slaying has shaken the community as Kayla's family reels from their loss. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for slaying

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
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 31 May. 2026.

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