sloth

noun

ˈslȯth 

ˈsläth,

also

ˈslōth 

plural sloths ˈslȯths 

ˈslȯṯẖz,

ˈsläths,

ˈsläṯẖz,

 also  ˈslōths,

ˈslōṯẖz

1

a

: disinclination to action or labor : indolence

b

: spiritual apathy and inactivity

the deadly sin of sloth

2

: any of various slow-moving arboreal edentate mammals (genera Bradypus and Choloepus) that inhabit tropical forests of South and Central America, hang from the branches back downward, and feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits compare three-toed sloth, two-toed sloth

Illustration of sloth

• sloth 2

Synonyms

• idleness
• indolence
• inertia
• laziness
• shiftlessness

Examples of sloth in a Sentence

the sins of gluttony and sloth

a youth inclined more toward sloth than athletics

Recent Examples on the Web

Scan the mangroves for monkeys and sloths, and enjoy the approach to Corcovado from the waves. —Calin Van Paris, Outside Online, 18 Apr. 2025

Getting closer also means a higher chance to spot various bird species, monkeys, sloths, river otters, turtles and caimans. —Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Follows a speedy 12-year-old sloth named Laura whose odd sloth family is left homeless by a devastating storm. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025

There are currently 200 animal species already at the park, including tigers, elephants and sloths. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English slouthe, from slow slow

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sloth

• ground sloth
• sloth bear
• three-toed sloth
• two-toed sloth

Rhymes for sloth

• both
• doeth
• growth
• loath
• oath
• quoth
• troth
• ingrowth
• outgrowth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

sloth

noun

ˈslȯth  ˈslōth 

plural sloths

ˈslȯths,

ˈslȯṯẖz

1

: the quality or state of being lazy

2

: any of several slow-moving mammals of the tropical forests of Central and South America that are related to the armadillos, live in trees, and feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits