slink

[slingk]

verb (used without object)

slunk , slank , slunk , slinking .

1. to move or go in a furtive, abject manner, as from fear, cowardice, or shame.

   Synonyms: lurk, sneak, skulk

2. to walk or move in a slow, sinuous, provocative way.

verb (used with object)

slunk , slank , slunk , slinking .

1. (especially of cows) to bring forth (young) prematurely.

noun

1. a prematurely born calf or other animal.

adjective

1. born prematurely.

   a slink calf.

slink

/ slɪŋk /

verb

1. (intr) to move or act in a furtive or cringing manner from or as if from fear, guilt, etc

2. (intr) to move in a sinuous alluring manner

3. (tr) (of animals, esp cows) to give birth to prematurely

noun

1. 1. an animal, esp a calf, born prematurely

   2. ( as modifier )

      slink veal

Other Word Forms

• slinkingly adverb
• outslink verb (used with object)
• unslinking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slink¹

First recorded before 1150; Middle English slynken (verb), Old English slincan “to creep, crawl”; cognate with Low German slinken, German schlinken

Word History and Origins

Origin of slink¹

Old English slincan; related to Middle Low German slinken to shrink, Old Swedish slinka to creep, Danish slunken limp

Example Sentences

We walk out onto Grand Avenue or slink into the garage and drive away, afraid to see what is before our eyes — our society in the manner of its operation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

More generally, some Democrats fault the former vice president for resurfacing, period, rather than slinking off and disappearing forever into some deep, dark hole.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Listen, I know you see them slinking around Elysian Park or your neighborhood, and you think, “Can I pet that dog?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Just as you may have thought that it was finally safe to think about American politics without thinking about Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, he has slinked his way into the national news again.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But for now, museum members could slink about the echoing halls of L.A.’s newest landmark and ponder the possibilities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lurk 
• meander 
• prowl 
• sidle 
• skitter 
• skulk 
• slither 
• sneak 
• undulate