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.
Heuermann, 62, is expected to admit to the 1996 slaying of 34-year-old mother of two Karen Vergata, whose remains were found in April 1996, with additional remains found in April 2011, Newsday reported Tuesday. Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026 Attorneys for Paul Allen Perez, arrested in 2020 for the killings of five of his infant children, are demanding a new trial in the serial slayings and will return to Yolo Superior Court in July. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026 There's no evidence that Nigah and Jimenez knew each other before the alleged slaying, Nasarenko said. Austin Turner, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 Bundy's slayings, as well as his theatrics — including serving as his own attorney — landed him in the headlines. Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 2026.

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