noun

slur

Quiz me More like this

Slur (noun) means an offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity. Example: “The player was suspended after using a racial slur on the field.”

noun

An offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity.

"The player was suspended after using a racial slur on the field."

Unclear, poorly separated speech.

"His words were reduced to a slur after a few too many drinks."

verb

To pronounce words unclearly by running them together.

"She was so tired she began to slur her words."

How to use slur

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an offensive insult aimed at a group, or speech that runs together unclearly.

When to use it

As an insult, "slur" (especially "racial slur" or "ethnic slur") refers to genuinely offensive language and should be used carefully, typically only when discussing the topic rather than repeating the term itself.

Common pairings

racial slur ethnic slur slur his speech

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like slur.

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

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: slurs
Third person singular: slurs
Past tense: slurred

Test yourself on “slur” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The player was suspended after using a racial _____ on the field.

Etymology

From an old word for thin, fluid mud — the idea of things running together messily gave rise to both "slurred speech" and "slur" as an insult that stains someone's reputation.

Synonyms

View more →

spot dim blur smear blot smudge daub smirch aspersion

Related words

light dark mark focus stupid spot dirty blind

Rhymes for slur

blur

See all rhymes for slur →

Frequently asked questions

What does “slur” mean?

The word “slur” means an offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity. In plain terms, either an offensive insult aimed at a group, or speech that runs together unclearly.

How do you pronounce “slur”?

“Slur” is pronounced slur (/slɜɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “slur” in a sentence?

Here is “slur” used in a sentence: “The player was suspended after using a racial slur on the field.”

What part of speech is “slur”?

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

How many meanings does “slur” have?

“Slur” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity.

People also searched

light dark mark focus stupid spot dirty blind