slit

1 of 2

noun

ˈslit How to pronounce slit (audio)
Synonyms of slitnext
: a long narrow cut or opening
slit adjective
a slit skirt [=a skirt with a vertical slit at the hem]
slitless
ˈslit-ləs How to pronounce slit (audio)
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

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Noun

Verb

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
With a plunging halter neckline and thigh-high slit, Palmer’s sleeveless dress merged traditional design cues with a contemporary edge. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 Place the eggplants in a baking dish and gently open a slit through the center of each one. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 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 See All Example Sentences for slit

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of slit was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing slit

Rhymes for slit

See All Rhymes for slit

Browse Nearby Words

slipway
slit
slit card
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slit. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

slit

1 of 2 verb
ˈslit How to pronounce slit (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on slit

Nglish: Translation of slit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slit

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