slum

[sluhm]

noun

1. Often slums. a thickly populated, run-down, squalid part of a city, inhabited by poor people.

2. any squalid, run-down place to live.

verb (used without object)

slummed, slumming 

1. to visit slums, especially from curiosity.

2. to visit or frequent a place, group, or amusement spot considered to be low in social status.

slum

/ slʌm /

noun

1. a squalid overcrowded house, etc

2. (often plural) a squalid section of a city, characterized by inferior living conditions and usually by overcrowding

3. (modifier) of, relating to, or characteristic of slums

   slum conditions

verb

1. to visit slums, esp for curiosity

2. Also: slum it. to suffer conditions below those to which one is accustomed

Other Word Forms

• slummer noun
• deslum verb (used with object)
• slummy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slum¹

1805–15; compare earlier argot slum room; origin obscure

Word History and Origins

Origin of slum¹

C19: originally slang, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The old city slums were cleared, but many people were moved to damp, isolated tower blocks with limited amenities.

From BBC

Beyond Prodigy’s Neverland jungle compound is a crowded city resembling the slums of “Blade Runner.”

From Salon

Growing up in a slum of Washington, D.C., he had inherited his father’s harsh Pentecostal Christianity and his notions of discipline, heaven and hell.

From Los Angeles Times

"We have slums here, we're getting rid of them," he said from behind the podium in the White House press room.

From BBC

"We're getting rid of the slums," he said, without giving further details.

From BBC

Related Words

• rookery