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

In undersea warfare, quietness is everything, allowing submarines to sneak up on targets and slink away after making their attacks. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Navy Testing Superhydrophobic Hull Coatings For Submarines," 5 July 2018 The first time Gadsby tells this anecdote, the man recognizes his mistake and slinks away, humiliated by his ignorance. — Rachel Syme, The New Republic, "Nanette Rewrites the History of Art," 3 July 2018 The president slinked away, the way a bully does when faced with unexpected resistance. — John Branch, New York Times, "Why the N.F.L. and the N.B.A. Are So Far Apart on Social Justice Stances," 22 June 2018 In a mock takedown, recruits were slinking through the savanna carrying automatic weapons before pouncing on a poacher and arresting him. — National Geographic, "As Tigers Become Rarer, Poachers Are Targeting Lions," 1 June 2018 If Harden were to slink into the summer again, so much apparent progress, both for this franchise player and for his team, would be at risk of coming undone. — Ben Golliver, SI.com, "James Harden’s Reputation Hangs on His Response to Steph Curry’s ‘Haymaker’," 21 May 2018 Rather than slinking away from an issue that has burned him in recent days, Trump is keeping attention on it. — Jonathan Allen /, NBC News, "The Art of No Deal: Why Trump doesn't want an immigration bill," 22 June 2018 Even under an umbrella or a shade structure, UV rays can slink through the fabric and cause skin damage. — Mansi Sarihan, Md, USA TODAY, "Ask a Doc: Do your kids need sunscreen if they're in the shade?," 18 June 2018 From there, Ellie slinks through a dark, dystopian forest full of dead bodies hanging from trees or impaled on whatever’s handy. — Megan Farokhmanesh, The Verge, "Sony’s E3 press conference was a hyper-detailed gross-out fest," 12 June 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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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