slate
1a fine-grained rock formed by the metamorphosis of clay, shale, etc., that tends to split along parallel cleavage planes, usually at an angle to the planes of stratification.
a thin, flat piece or plate of fine-grained, easily split rock or a similar material, used especially for roofing or as a writing surface.
a list of candidates, officers, etc., to be considered for nomination, appointment, election, or the like: He has added his name to the slate of mayoral candidates.
to cover with plates of fine-grained, easily split rock or a similar material: Our team has years of experience with slating and tiling roofs.
to write or set down for nomination or appointment: There are 39 lawyers hoping to be slated for judge.
to plan or designate (something) for a particular place and time; schedule: The premiere was slated for January.
Chiefly British. to censure, scold, or criticize harshly: She was slated by the press for making exaggerated claims in her memoir.
to punish severely.
Idioms about slate
clean slate, a record containing no negative reports, notes about bad behavior, reprimands, failures, etc.: After a talk with the boss about his misconduct, he was allowed to start over with a clean slate.
Origin of slate
1Words Nearby slate
Other definitions for slate (2 of 2)
to sic or set a dog on (a person or animal).
Origin of slate
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use slate in a sentence
In any case, I welcome the conversation as part of the review of the upcoming slate that we're doing tomorrow.
Inside Sony’s ‘Pineapple Express 2 Drama’: Leaked Emails Reveal Fight Over Stoner Comedy Sequel | William Boot | December 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTInstead of wallowing in comedy exile, slate was earning a book deal.
The Curious Little Shell That Restarted Jenny Slate’s Career | Luke Hopping | December 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSo with the doors of late night closed to her, slate had to scale down her ambitions to raise her profile.
The Curious Little Shell That Restarted Jenny Slate’s Career | Luke Hopping | December 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTLess than a minute into her big break, slate let slip a highly audible F-bomb instead of the scripted “freaking.”
The Curious Little Shell That Restarted Jenny Slate’s Career | Luke Hopping | December 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWill you work with Jenny slate, John Daly, John Mulaney, etc. moving forward?
The tower has four clock faces, pinnacles at the angles, and a steep slate roof and is 120 feet high.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham | Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showellslate slabs were originally tried for sleepers on the Birmingham and London line.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham | Thomas T. Harman and Walter ShowellJohn Tubbs was one day doing his sums, when little Sam Jones pushed against him; and down went the slate with a horrid clatter.
The Nursery, July 1873, Vol. XIV. No. 1 | VariousDinah had left her slate on 10 a chair, and dropped her algebra on the carpet, at the sound of Norahs voice below the window.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline | Jennie M. DrinkwaterWhy send her a picture of a slate-colored cow when a herd of Durhams pastures every day right under her eye?
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson Lloyd
British Dictionary definitions for slate (1 of 2)
/ (sleɪt) /
a compact fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the effects of heat and pressure on shale. It can be split into thin layers along natural cleavage planes and is used as a roofing and paving material
(as modifier): a slate tile
a roofing tile of slate
(formerly) a writing tablet of slate
a dark grey colour, often with a purplish or bluish tinge
mainly US and Canadian a list of candidates in an election
films
the reference information written on a clapperboard
informal the clapperboard itself
clean slate a record without dishonour
have a slate loose British and Irish informal to be eccentric or crazy
on the slate British informal on credit
wipe the slate clean informal to make a fresh start, esp by forgetting past differences
to cover (a roof) with slates
mainly US to enter (a person's name) on a list, esp on a political slate
to choose or destine: he was slated to go far
to plan or schedule: the trial is slated to begin in three weeks
of the colour slate
Origin of slate
1British Dictionary definitions for slate (2 of 2)
/ (sleɪt) /
to criticize harshly; censure
to punish or defeat severely
Origin of slate
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for slate
[ slāt ]
A fine-grained metamorphic rock that forms when shale undergoes metamorphosis. Slate splits into thin layers with smooth surfaces. It ranges in color from gray to black or from red to green, depending on the minerals contained in the shale from which it formed.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with slate
In addition to the idiom beginning with slate
- slated for, be
also see:
- clean slate
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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