slum

American  

[sluhm] / slʌm /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

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

Etymology

Origin of slum

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

Example Sentences

Authorities often attempt to hem in or demolish slums rather than extend electricity, paved roads or schools to them.

From Barron's

He has faced a concerted challenge from singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, 43, who styles himself the "ghetto president", after his stronghold in a slum where he grew up in the capital, Kampala.

From Barron's

Wine grew up in one of Kampala's biggest slums, Kamwokya, where thousands of Ugandans struggle to get by and feel forgotten by Museveni's government.

From Barron's

Having grown up in the slums of the capital, Kampala, he dubbed himself the "ghetto president" and campaigns on issues such as youth unemployment and human rights.

From BBC

They seemed certain to spend their New Year’s slumming it in an undercard bowl and watching their players jump into the transfer portal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• rookery