slit
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to cut apart or open along a line; make a long cut, fissure, or opening in.
-
to cut or rend into strips; split.
noun
verb
-
to make a straight long incision in; split open
-
to cut into strips lengthwise
-
to sever
noun
-
a long narrow cut
-
a long narrow opening
Other Word Forms
- slitless adjective
- slitlike adjective
- slitter noun
Etymology
Origin of slit
1175–1225; Middle English slitte (noun), slitten (v.); cognate with German schlitzen to split, slit; akin to Old English slite a slit, geslit a bite, slītan to split; slice
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
From the kick-off, Wright slit England open down the middle with a swerving run, and the scrambling hosts gave away a soft penalty as they tried to stem the attack.
From BBC • Nov. 9, 2024
Female cicadas make long slits in twigs, laying 20 eggs in each slit, up to 600 eggs in total.
From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2024
And yet, even though the "Game of Thrones" alum's dress did have a slit, her comments are still valid.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2024
In the final look, a deep slit in a long wool sheath allowed a model to hit her stride — just like De Sarno.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024
Then he took his ivory paper knife and carefully slit it open.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.