Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

slit

American  
[slit] / slɪt /

verb (used with object)

slit, slitting
  1. to cut apart or open along a line; make a long cut, fissure, or opening in.

  2. to cut or rend into strips; split.


noun

  1. a straight, narrow cut, opening, or aperture.

slit British  
/ slɪt /

verb

  1. to make a straight long incision in; split open

  2. to cut into strips lengthwise

  3. to sever

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a long narrow cut

  2. a long narrow opening

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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