slit

1 of 2

noun

ˈslit 

: a long narrow cut or opening

slit adjective

a slit skirt [=a skirt with a vertical slit at the hem]

slitless

ˈslit-ləs 

adjective

slit

2 of 2

verb

slit; slitting

transitive verb

1

a

: to make a slit in

b

: to cut off or away : sever

c

: to form into a slit

2

: to cut into long narrow strips

slitter noun

Synonyms of slit

Noun

• tear
• incision
• slash
• gash

Verb

• slice
• slash
• rip
• cut
• pierce

Examples of slit in a Sentence

Noun

You could see through the slit in the fence.

The skirt has a slit on one side.

a dress with a slit skirt

Verb

I slit the bag open at the top.

The bag of seeds had been slit open.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Franco-Swedish sportswear brand Ron Dorff took a healthy dollop of ‘80s inspiration to design its Exerciser shorts, which feature a short length with rounded slide slits. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026

Extending out from the slit are two planks, one of which supports a carving of a jumping leopard. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

In 2014 and 2017, there were very violent protests; people were burned alive, motorcyclists had their throats slit, health centers were set on fire, schools were set on fire. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026

The repeat was a cleaner A-line style with a round neckline, flared sleeves and a center slit through the midi skirt. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from slitten

Verb

Middle English slitten; akin to Middle High German slitzen to slit, Old High German slīzan to tear apart, Old English sciell shell — more at shell

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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

Phrases Containing slit

• gill slit
• slit one's wrists
• slit trench

Rhymes for slit

• bit
• brit
• britt
• chit
• fit
• flit
• grit
• hit
• it
• kitt
• knit
• lit

Kids Definition

slit

1 of 2 verb

ˈslit 

slit; slitting

1

a

: to make a slit in : slash

b

: to cut off or away : sever

2

: to cut into long narrow strips

slitter noun

slit

2 of 2 noun

: a long narrow cut or opening

slit adjective

slitless

-ləs

adjective