noun Uncommon

slit

SLIHT

Slit (noun) means a long, narrow cut or opening. Example: “Light came through a slit in the curtains.”

noun

A long, narrow cut or opening.

"Light came through a slit in the curtains."

"The skirt had a slit up the side."

verb

To make a long, narrow cut in something.

"He slit the envelope open with a letter opener."

"She slit the fabric along the seam."

How to use slit

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA thin cut or opening, or the act of cutting one.

Common pairings

a slit in the fabric slit open slit someone's throat

Word forms

slit past tense, slitten past tense, slits plural, slits singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Light came through a _____ in the curtains.

Etymology

From Old English slītan, meaning "to tear apart," from a Proto-Germanic root shared with the idea of ripping or splitting.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for slit

lit clit flit split

See all rhymes for slit →

Frequently asked questions

What does “slit” mean?

The word “slit” means a long, narrow cut or opening. In plain terms, a thin cut or opening, or the act of cutting one.

How do you pronounce “slit”?

“Slit” is pronounced SLIHT (/ˈslɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “slit” in a sentence?

Here is “slit” used in a sentence: “Light came through a slit in the curtains.”

What part of speech is “slit”?

Depending on how it is used, “slit” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “slit” come from?

The word “slit” comes from Old English. From Old English slītan, meaning "to tear apart," from a Proto-Germanic root shared with the idea of ripping or splitting.

Is “slit” a common word?

“Slit” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “slit” have?

“Slit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, narrow cut or opening.