slat

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈslat 

slatted; slatting

transitive verb

1

: strike, pummel

2

: to hurl or throw smartly

slat

2 of 3

noun

1

: a thin narrow flat strip especially of wood or metal

2

slats plural, slang : ribs

3

: an auxiliary airfoil at the leading edge of the wing of an airplane

slat adjective

slatted

ˈsla-təd 

adjective

slat

3 of 3

verb (2)

slatted; slatting

transitive verb

: to make or equip with slats

Examples of slat in a Sentence

Noun

the slats of a venetian blind

The fence has two broken slats.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In the kitchen, Robbins designed custom cabinetry that feels like an extension of his Pippin collection, mimicking its cylindrical legs, slatted doors, and circular pulls with brass centers. —Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Commercial farming methods have relegated these animals to confinement in large sheds on bare concrete or slatted flooring without any mental stimulation or basic comforts, causing frustration, boredom, and physical distress. —Miyun Park, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2012

Noun

Harris’ first stop was the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Douglas, where tall metal slats are wrapped in barbed wire. —Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024

Wood slats eliminate the need for a bulky boxspring, which keeps your space looking sleek. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse sletta to throw carelessly

Noun

Middle English sclate, slate slate

First Known Use

Verb (1)

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1886, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

slat

noun

ˈslat

: a thin narrow flat strip of wood, plastic, or metal

the slats of a venetian blind

slatted

ˈslat-əd

adjective