slit

[ slit ]

verb (used with object)

, slit, slit·ting.

1. to cut apart or open along a line; make a long cut, fissure, or opening in.
2. to cut or rend into strips; split.

noun

1. a straight, narrow cut, opening, or aperture.

slit

/ slɪt /

verb

1. to make a straight long incision in; split open
2. to cut into strips lengthwise
3. to sever

noun

1. a long narrow cut
2. a long narrow opening

Derived Forms

• ˈslitter, noun

Other Words From

• slitless adjective
• slitlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slit¹

1175–1225; Middle English slitte (noun), slitten (v.); cognate with German schlitzen to split, slit; akin to Old English slite a slit, geslit a bite, slītan to split; slice

Word History and Origins

Origin of slit¹

Old English slītan to slice; related to Old Norse slita, Old High German slīzen

Example Sentences

Frog and toad pupils come in quite the array, from slits to circles.

From Science News

To promote even cooking whether you’re roasting or steaming a whole fish, cut shallow slits into both sides.

From Washington Post

Tuck some of the larger pieces of scallion, ginger and citrus zest into each slit and slip the rest inside the cavity.

From Washington Post

The beam of the flashlight went through the crate slits, and two airport workers saw the light.

From Washington Post

Paired with Shift or Kingpin bindings, this lightweight setup is an ideal grab-and-go ski for in-bound uphillers or backcountry skiers looking for a starter ski—it even has skin-attachment slits at the tip and tail.

From Outside Online

More items came in time, as funding was available, like a slit-and-lace-up jacket and a line of boxer underwear.

From The Daily Beast

Slice challah bread into 1.5 inches then slit hole in middle of each slice and fill with Nutella.

From The Daily Beast

His name was Alexander, and he had a rifle in his hands, but the eyes you could see through the slit in the mask looked friendly.

From The Daily Beast

That throat slit is so real, so jarring, and so matter-of-fact.

From The Daily Beast

First, Father Johannes Baptiste is found in the rectory, his throat slit.

From The Daily Beast

"I see," said Castle, closing his eyes and squinting through a slit between the lids.

From Project Gutenberg

"Sh-h—be quiet," warned Betty, peeping again through the slit in the curtain.

From Project Gutenberg

I have recently fitted the lower half of the slit with a wind-screen, which has proved to be a most useful addition.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally an ear-like outgrowth appears on the neck, indicative of the attempt of a second slit to develop into an ear.

From Project Gutenberg

Without clear sight of what he was fighting, he struck down with his knife and felt it slit flesh.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rip
• slash