slice
slys
Slice (noun) means a thin, flat piece cut off from something larger. Example: “Would you like a slice of lemon in your tea?”
noun
1
A thin, flat piece cut off from something larger.
"Would you like a slice of lemon in your tea?"
"She cut a slice of bread and toasted it."
"He grabbed a slice of pizza on his way out the door."
2
A portion or share of something.
"Every employee received a slice of the profits at the end of the year."
"Small shops struggle to win a slice of the holiday trade."
"The company wants a bigger slice of the market."
verb
1
To cut something into thin, flat pieces.
"Slice the cucumber thinly and arrange it on the plate."
"He sliced the loaf into even pieces for the picnic."
"She sliced the tomatoes for the salad."
2
(golf, tennis) To hit the ball so it curves unintentionally, typically to the right for a right-handed player.
"If you slice the ball, try changing how you grip the club."
"She sliced her serve wide and groaned as it landed out."
"He sliced his drive straight into the trees."
How to use slice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin piece cut from something, or the act of cutting it that way; in sports, an unwanted curving shot.
Common pairings
slice of bread
slice of cake
slice the ball
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Word forms
- Plural
- slices
- Third person singular
- slices
- Past tense
- sliced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Would you like a _____ of lemon in your tea?
Etymology
From Old French esclice, "a piece split off," tracing back to a Germanic root meaning "to split, tear apart."
Related words
Rhymes for slice
See all rhymes for slice →Frequently asked questions
What does “slice” mean?
The word “slice” means a thin, flat piece cut off from something larger. In plain terms, a thin piece cut from something, or the act of cutting it that way; in sports, an unwanted curving shot.
How do you pronounce “slice”?
“Slice” is pronounced slys (/slaɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “slice” in a sentence?
Here is “slice” used in a sentence: “She cut a slice of bread and toasted it.”
What part of speech is “slice”?
Depending on how it is used, “slice” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “slice” come from?
The word “slice” comes from Old French. From Old French esclice, "a piece split off," tracing back to a Germanic root meaning "to split, tear apart.".
Is “slice” a common word?
“Slice” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “slice” have?
“Slice” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin, flat piece cut off from something larger.
What is the difference between slice and cut?
Cut is the general word for dividing or opening something with a blade, while slice specifically means cutting thin, flat pieces from something larger, usually with a smooth stroke. You cut a rope or cut paper, but you slice bread, ham, or tomatoes into even pieces.
What is a slice in golf?
In golf, a slice is a shot that curves unintentionally in flight, typically to the right for a right-handed player. It is the opposite of a hook, which curves the other way, and it is a very common fault among amateur golfers.
