slit
Americanverb (used with object)
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to cut apart or open along a line; make a long cut, fissure, or opening in.
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to cut or rend into strips; split.
noun
verb
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to make a straight long incision in; split open
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to cut into strips lengthwise
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to sever
noun
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a long narrow cut
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a long narrow opening
Other Word Forms
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; see slice
Explanation
A very narrow slot or cut in something is a slit. You might fill your pita bread with falafel by first making a slit in its side. A long strip of sunlight might shine through a slit in your curtains and wake you up in the morning. Or you may narrow your eyes to slits in anger when you see the mess your sister made in your room. You can also use this word as a verb, to mean "cut into," like when you slit a croissant and insert jam, or slit an envelope with an old-fashioned letter opener.
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.
Slit film is one of three types of synthetic turfs used in NFL stadiums, and the NFL Players Association recently called for a ban on it and for all such playing surfaces to be replaced.
From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2022
Judy Joo, Jinjuu, @judyjoochef Slit open a baked potato, stuff with some chopped-up kimchi, cover with grated cheese and place under a grill until melted and browning.
From The Guardian • Apr. 15, 2020
Slit top crust and brush with beaten egg.
From Salon • May 23, 2019
Slit the vanilla bean lengthwise and use the tip of a small knife to scrape out the seeds from both sides.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2017
Slit a large bluefish, take out the bone, put in a buttered baking-dish and season with salt and pepper.
From How to Cook Fish by Reed, Myrtle
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.
