slip
SLIHP
Slip (verb) means to lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally. Example: “Be careful not to slip on the icy steps outside the front door.”
verb
1
To lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally.
"Be careful not to slip on the icy steps outside the front door."
"She slipped on the wet tile and nearly fell."
"The knife slipped and cut his finger."
2
To move, put, or go somewhere quickly, quietly, or without being noticed.
"The cat slipped through the open window without anyone noticing."
"He slipped out of the party early."
"She slipped a note into his pocket."
noun
1
A small piece of paper, often used for a form, receipt, or brief note.
"The librarian handed me a slip with the return date printed on it."
"Keep your deposit slip until the payment clears."
"He wrote his number on a slip of paper."
2
A minor and usually unintentional mistake.
"I made a silly slip in the spreadsheet and had to correct the total."
"One small slip in the recipe can spoil the whole cake."
"It was just a slip of the tongue — I meant to say Tuesday."
3
A woman's undergarment worn beneath a dress, or a pillowcase-like fabric cover.
"She bought a cotton slip to wear under her skirt in winter."
"The cushion needed a clean slip after the dog had slept on it."
"She wore a silk slip under the sheer dress."
How to use slip
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lose footing/control suddenly, to move somewhere unnoticed, or (as a noun) a small paper form or a minor error.
Common mistake
A "Freudian slip" refers to an accidental verbal mistake thought to reveal a hidden thought — don't confuse with a physical slip (falling).
Common pairings
slip and fall
slip up
a slip of paper
a slip of the tongue
let something slip
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like slip.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- slips
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Be careful not to _____ on the icy steps outside the front door.
Etymology
Probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German "slippe," a word linked to the idea of splitting or cutting away — the sense of a small detached piece.
Related words
Rhymes for slip
See all rhymes for slip →Frequently asked questions
What does “slip” mean?
The word “slip” means to lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally. In plain terms, to lose footing/control suddenly, to move somewhere unnoticed, or (as a noun) a small paper form or a minor error.
How do you pronounce “slip”?
“Slip” is pronounced SLIHP (/ˈslɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “slip” in a sentence?
Here is “slip” used in a sentence: “She slipped on the wet tile and nearly fell.”
What part of speech is “slip”?
Depending on how it is used, “slip” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “slip” come from?
The word “slip” comes from German. Probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German "slippe," a word linked to the idea of splitting or cutting away — the sense of a small detached piece.
Is “slip” a common word?
“Slip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “slip” have?
“Slip” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally.
What is the difference between slip and trip?
To slip is to lose your footing or grip and slide accidentally, usually on a smooth or wet surface. To trip is to catch your foot on something and stumble. Slipping involves sliding, while tripping involves an obstacle.
What is the difference between slip and slide?
To slip is usually an accidental loss of footing that happens suddenly and unintentionally. To slide is to move smoothly across a surface, which can be deliberate or accidental. A slip is a mishap, whereas a slide can be controlled.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include slip:
