slip

verb (1)

\ ˈslip

slipped; slipping

Definition of slip

(Entry 1 of 5)

intransitive verb

1a : to move with a smooth sliding motion

b : to move quietly and cautiously : steal

c : elapse, pass

2a(1) : to escape from memory or consciousness

(2) : to become uttered through inadvertence

b : to pass quickly or easily away : become lost let an opportunity slip

3 : to fall into error or fault : lapse

4a : to slide out of place or away from a support or one's grasp

b : to slide on or down a slippery surface slip on the stairs

c : to flow smoothly

5 : to get speedily into or out of clothing slipped into his coat

6 : to fall off from a standard or accustomed level by degrees : decline

7 : sideslip

transitive verb

1 : to cause to move easily and smoothly : slide

2a : to get away from : elude, evade slipped his pursuers

b : to free oneself from the dog slipped its collar

c : to escape from (one's memory or notice) their names slip my mind

3 : shed, cast the snake slipped its skin

4 : to put on (a garment) quickly —usually used with on slip on a coat

5a : to let loose from a restraining leash or grasp

b : to cause to slip open : release, undo slip a lock

c : to let go of

d : to disengage from (an anchor) instead of hauling

6a : to insert, place, or pass quietly or secretly

b : to give or pay on the sly

7 : slink, abort

8 : dislocate slipped his shoulder

9 : to transfer (a stitch) from one needle to another without working a stitch

10 : to avoid (a punch) by moving the body or head quickly to one side

slip

noun (1)

Definition of slip (Entry 2 of 5)

1a : a sloping ramp extending out into the water to serve as a place for landing or repairing ships

b : a ship's or boat's berth between two piers

2 : the act or an instance of departing secretly or hurriedly gave his pursuer the slip

3a : a mistake in judgment, policy, or procedure

b : an unintentional and trivial mistake or fault : lapse a slip of the tongue

4 : a leash so made that it can be quickly slipped

5a : the act or an instance of slipping down or out of a place a slip on the ice also : a sudden mishap

b : a movement dislocating parts (as of a rock or soil mass) also : the result of such movement

c : a fall from some level or standard : decline a slip in stock prices

6a : an undergarment made in dress length and usually having shoulder straps also : half-slip

b : a case into which something is slipped specifically : pillowcase

7 : a disposition or tendency to slip easily

8 : the action of sideslipping : an instance of sideslipping

slip

noun (2)

Definition of slip (Entry 3 of 5)

1a : a small shoot or twig cut for planting or grafting : scion

b : descendant, offspring

2a : a long narrow strip of material

b : a small piece of paper

3 : a young and slender person a slip of a girl

4 : a long seat or narrow pew

slip

verb (2)

slipped; slipping

Definition of slip (Entry 4 of 5)

transitive verb

: to take cuttings from (a plant) : divide into slips slip a geranium

slip

noun (3)

Definition of slip (Entry 5 of 5)

: a mixture of finely divided clay and water used especially by potters (as for casting or decorating wares or in cementing separately formed parts)

Choose the Right Synonym for slip

Noun (1)

error, mistake, blunder, slip, lapse mean a departure from what is true, right, or proper. error suggests the existence of a standard or guide and a straying from the right course through failure to make effective use of this. procedural errors mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error. dialed the wrong number by mistake blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. diplomatic blunders slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. a slip of the tongue lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. a lapse in judgment

First Known Use of slip

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1640, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for slip

Verb (1)

Middle English slippen, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German; akin to Middle High German slipfen to slide, Old High German slīfan to smooth, and perhaps to Greek olibros slippery

Noun (2)

Middle English slippe, probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, split, slit, flap

Noun (3)

Middle English slyp slime, from Old English slypa slime, paste; akin to Old English slūpan to slip — more at sleeve

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