slattern

1 of 2

noun

slat·​tern ˈsla-tərn How to pronounce slattern (audio)
plural slatterns
Synonyms of slatternnext
1
disapproving : an untidy dirty woman
2
disapproving
a
: a woman who has multiple sexual partners : a woman who is sexually promiscuous
b
: a woman who engages in sex acts and especially sexual intercourse in exchange for pay : a woman who is a sex worker

slattern

2 of 2

adjective

disapproving

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from German schlottern to hang loosely, slouch; akin to Dutch slodderen to hang loosely, slodder slut

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slattern was circa 1640

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Cite this Entry

“Slattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slattern. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

slattern

noun
slat·​tern
ˈslat-ərn
: an untidy sloppy woman

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