slug
13 synonyms for slug, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A soft-bodied, shell-less land mollusk related to the snail.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A soft-bodied, shell-less land mollusk related to the snail.
“Slugs left silvery trails across the vegetable patch overnight.”
How to use slug
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
garden slug
lazy slug
a shotgun slug
the article slug
Etymology
Originally described a slow, lazy person, likely from a Middle English word for sloth or a lazy oaf; the snail-like mollusk and the bullet sense both grew out of related ideas of a slow-moving or solid lump.
Full origin of slug →Frequently asked questions
What does “slug” mean?
The word “slug” means a soft-bodied, shell-less land mollusk related to the snail. In plain terms, depending on context: a slimy garden pest, a lazy person, a bullet, or (online) the short text at the end of a URL.
How do you pronounce “slug”?
“Slug” is pronounced sluhg (/slʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “slug” in a sentence?
Here is “slug” used in a sentence: “Slugs left silvery trails across the vegetable patch overnight.”
What is another word for “slug”?
Words with a similar meaning to “slug” include nip & Thesaurus:drink.
What part of speech is “slug”?
Depending on how it is used, “slug” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “slug” come from?
The word “slug” comes from Middle English. Originally described a slow, lazy person, likely from a Middle English word for sloth or a lazy oaf; the snail-like mollusk and the bullet sense both grew out of related ideas of a slow-moving or solid lump.
Is “slug” a common word?
“Slug” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “slug” have?
“Slug” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soft-bodied, shell-less land mollusk related to the snail.
