slasher

American  

[slash-er] / ˈslæʃ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that slashes. slash.

2. a person who criminally attacks others with a knife, razor, or the like.

3. a horror film depicting such a criminal and featuring gory special effects.

---

slasher British  

/ ˈslæʃə /

noun

1. a person or thing that slashes

2. a wooden-handled cutting tool or tractor-drawn machine used for cutting scrub or undergrowth in the bush

---

Etymology

Origin of slasher

First recorded in 1550–60; slash ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But like all slasher movies, the killer isn’t dead yet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

"Scream 7," the latest installment in the 30-year-old slasher series featuring yet another Ghostface killer, held strong in second place at $17.3 million in the United States and Canada, according to Exhibitor Relations.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

As such, and given the source material, Netflix’s decision to follow up “Fear Street: 1666,” the concluding chapter of its “Fear Street” slasher series, with a party is sensible.

From Salon • May 24, 2025

Is there anything as dependable as the slasher formula?

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2025

He has the better jumper, but I’m the better slasher.

From "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander