This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
slather
[ slath-er ]
/ ˈslæð ər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to spread or apply thickly: to slather butter on toast.
to spread something thickly on (usually followed by with): to slather toast with butter.
to spend or use lavishly.
noun
Often slathers. a generous amount: slathers of money.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Idioms about slather
open slather, Australian. complete freedom.
Origin of slather
1810–20, in sense “to slip, slide”; origin uncertain
Words nearby slather
slate blue, slate-colored junco, slated, slater, slatey, slather, slating, Slatkin, slattern, slatternly, slatting
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use slather in a sentence
I slather my body in Swedish Beauty Black Diamond cream with “Tingle Tanning Power.”
Your young fellers can do nothing except slather a hose round the decks and ask for higher wages.
Command|William McFeeNo, sir, there aint sech a slather of folks up here to mix in with, by any count.
The Corner House Girls Snowbound|Grace Brooks Hill
British Dictionary definitions for slather
slather
/ (ˈslæðə) /
noun
(usually plural) informal a large quantity
open slather Australian and NZ slang a situation in which there are no restrictions; free-for-all
verb (tr) US and Canadian slang
to squander or waste
to spread thickly or lavishly
Word Origin for slather
C19: of unknown origin
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