plural slates
1
: a type of hard rock that splits easily into thin layers
Some school blackboards are made of slate.
2
: a small sheet of slate in a wooden frame that was used in schools in the past for writing on with chalk
3
: a piece of slate that is used with others to cover a roof or wall
roofing slates
The house has a slate roof.
4
US
: a list of people who are trying to win an election
The party has fielded an impressive slate of candidates this year.
slates; slated; slating
chiefly US
: to arrange or plan for something to happen, someone to be chosen, etc.
—usually used as (be) slated
The new art museum is slated [=is scheduled] to open next spring.
She is slated to become the company's next president.
—often + forHer latest album is slated for release in July.
slates; slated; slating
British, informal
: to criticize (someone or something) very harshly
The film/book was slated by most critics.
Cite this Entry
“Slate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/slate. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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