slink

verb

\ ˈsliŋk

slunk\ ˈsləŋk

\ also slinked\ ˈsliŋ(k)t

\; slinking

Definition of slink

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear or shame) : steal

2 : to move in a sinuous provocative manner

transitive verb

: to give premature birth to —used especially of a domestic animal a cow that slinks her calf

slink

noun

Definition of slink (Entry 2 of 3)

: the young of an animal (such as a calf) brought forth prematurely also : the flesh or skin of such an animal

slink

adjective

Definition of slink (Entry 3 of 3)

: born prematurely or abortively a slink calf

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about slink

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Choose the Right Synonym for slink

Verb

lurk, skulk, slink, sneak mean to behave so as to escape attention. lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent. suspicious men lurking in alleyways skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent. something skulking in the shadows slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention. slunk around the corner sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods. sneaked out early

Examples of slink in a Sentence

Verb

He slinked away in shame. like a thief slinking about in the middle of the night

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The ones who do tend to retire, either with an impassioned speech or by just slinking away. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, "Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Debate About the Best Way to Get Donald Trump Out of Office," 6 June 2019 The music and choreography were so intertwined that at some point a dancer was slinking alongside of FLUX. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "The New York City Ballet Starts Its Spring Season With Two World Premieres," 4 May 2019 Exotic-sounding medicines take a turn in the spotlight before slinking off the stage, unable to live up to expectations. — David A. Shaywitz, WSJ, "‘The Breakthrough’ and ‘The Beautiful Cure’ Review: Spurring the Body to Fight Back," 13 Nov. 2018 Keeping with that tradition, the cocksure Willie calmly slinks into the club, acts much bigger than his schemes deserve — one involves stealing dogs, then returning them for the reward — and lords it over Benny and Iffy. — Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, "Review: In ‘Divine Horsemen,’ a Checklist of Tough-Guy Tropes," 18 Jan. 2018 This year, 2018, saw Hungary and Poland slink further toward authoritarianism. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "The 7 biggest foreign news stories to watch in 2019, from Brexit to North Korea," 24 Dec. 2018 The Kardashians slink around in spandex and swimsuits that, like their bodies, seem to suspend the laws of nature. — Mattie Kahn, Glamour, "No One Did Denim Better Than Princess Diana," 21 Aug. 2018 The Dodgers threatened in the bottom of the ninth after center fielder Cody Bellinger led off with a single, only to slink back to the dugout in embarrassing fashion, after David Price picked him off first base. — Jared Diamond, WSJ, "Dodgers Beat Red Sox, Eventually, in Longest-Ever World Series Game," 27 Oct. 2018 All moved slowly through choreography at times, some beneath a waterfall, amid a set alive with fauna, greenery wending up two dome structures that moved slowly around as Rihanna's women slinked in and out. — Fox News, "Rihanna surprises fans with Gigi and Bella Hadid in her Savage X Fenty runway show," 13 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'slink.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for slink

Last Updated

15 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for slink

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

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More Definitions for slink

slink

verb

English Language Learners Definition of slink

: to move in a way that does not attract attention especially because you are embarrassed, afraid, or doing something wrong

See the full definition for slink in the English Language Learners Dictionary

slink

verb

\ ˈsliŋk

slunk\ ˈsləŋk \; slinking

Kids Definition of slink

: to move or go by or as if by creeping especially so as not to be noticed (as in fear or shame) … he stuck his tail between his legs and slunk swiftly away …— Jean Craighead George, Julie of the Wolves