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slattern

noun
slat·​tern | \ ˈsla-tÉ™rn How to pronounce slattern (audio) \

Definition of slattern

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: an untidy slovenly woman also : slut, prostitute

slattern

adjective

Definition of slattern (Entry 2 of 2)

: slatternly

Examples of slattern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 Jo (Rita Tushingham, a 19-year-old newcomer then) is encumbered by her slattern mother (Dora Bryan). — Andy Webster, New York Times, "Everything British, Including the Kitchen Sink, at Film Forum," 15 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'slattern.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of slattern

Noun

circa 1639, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1684, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for slattern

Noun

probably from German schlottern to hang loosely, slouch; akin to Dutch slodderen to hang loosely, slodder slut

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More Definitions for slattern

slattern

noun
How to pronounce slattern (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of slattern

old-fashioned : an untidy, dirty woman

See the full definition for slattern in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on slattern

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with slattern

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