slather

[slath-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to spread or apply thickly.

   to slather butter on toast.

2. to spread something thickly on (usually followed bywith ).

   to slather toast with butter.

3. to spend or use lavishly.

noun

1. Often slathers. a generous amount.

   slathers of money.

slather

/ ˈslæðə /

noun

1. informal,  (usually plural) a large quantity

2. slang,  a situation in which there are no restrictions; free-for-all

verb

1. to squander or waste

2. to spread thickly or lavishly

Word History and Origins

Origin of slather¹

1810–20, in sense “to slip, slide”; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of slather¹

C19: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. open slather, complete freedom.

Example Sentences

I ordered my usual: fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, candied yams and a biscuit slathered in grape jelly butter.

From Salon

The internet can’t stop speculating about what appear to be bruises on the backs of his hands, slathered in orange concealer.

From Los Angeles Times

Like a cream cheese frosting slathered onto a tasty but conventional chocolate cake, the unexpected flourishes are the best part of this delicious treat.

From Salon

A biscuit split open and slathered with strawberry preserves.

From Salon

I never baked mayonnaise into cakes or slathered it on chicken before roasting.

From Salon

Related Words

• apply 
• brush 
• caress 
• clean 
• coat 
• cover 
• glaze 
• graze 
• grind 
• knead 
• paint 
• pat 
• scrape 
• scrub 
• smear 
• smooth 
• spread 
• wear 
• wipe