slit

1 of 2

noun

ˈslit 
Synonyms of slit
: a long narrow cut or opening
slit adjective
a slit skirt [=a skirt with a vertical slit at the hem]
slitless
ˈslit-ləs 
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
The straight silhouette looks put-together with minimal effort, while staying easy to move around in thanks to a subtle back slit. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 The design then softly gathered at the waistline with a fluid skirt subtly opening on one side with a high slit to reveal the sheer embroidered lining. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
Instead Justine shows up to slit his throat and take the baby from him, leaving him for dead; the child winds up disappearing with Holtz into a hell dimension. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 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 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

slit

1 of 2 verb
ˈslit 
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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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