: a long narrow cut or opening
slit adjective
a slit skirt [=a skirt with a vertical slit at the hem]

slit

2 of 2

verb

slit; slitting

transitive verb

1
a
: to make a slit in
b
: to cut off or away : sever
c
: to form into a slit
2
: to cut into long narrow strips
slitter noun

Examples of slit in a Sentence

Noun You could see through the slit in the fence. The skirt has a slit on one side. a dress with a slit skirt Verb I slit the bag open at the top. The bag of seeds had been slit open.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Using a paring knife, make a slit (or push open the existing slit) down the length of each date and carefully pry open the sides without tearing the date. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 24 Dec. 2024 The third photo showed Hudson and Belichick on the carpet with the former sports coach wearing a classic black tux while Hudson rocked a black off-the-shoulder gown with high slit. Raven Brunner, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
Cover with the top crust, crimp the edges together, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Amy Sherman, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2024 Charging documents obtained by KIRO, Fox 13 and the Kitsap Sun allege that the 23-year-old suspect called 911 and claimed his brother had slit his own throat. Liam Quinn, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slit 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from slitten

Verb

Middle English slitten; akin to Middle High German slitzen to slit, Old High German slīzan to tear apart, Old English sciell shell — more at shell

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of slit was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near slit

Cite this Entry

“Slit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slit. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

slit; slitting
1
a
: to make a slit in : slash
b
: to cut off or away : sever
2
: to cut into long narrow strips
slitter noun

slit

2 of 2 noun
: a long narrow cut or opening
slit adjective
slitless
-ləs
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on slit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!