Meaning & Definition of word "Slip"

Slip

/slɪp/

noun:

  • 1. a small piece of paper, especially one used to record information.
    • Example: He wrote his number on a slip of paper.
  • 2. an act of slipping.
    • Example: She had a slip while walking and almost fell.
  • 3. a mistake or error.
    • Example: There was a slip in the calculations that caused the issue.

verb:

  • 1. to move smoothly and easily, often without intending to do so.
    • Example: She slipped on the ice and fell.
  • 2. to let something fall accidentally.
    • Example: He slipped the letter into her hand before she noticed.
  • 3. to escape or pass by unnoticed or quietly.
    • Example: They slipped out of the party before anyone noticed.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old Norse 'slippa' meaning 'to slide, glide'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

let it slip:

to reveal something unintentionally.

slip of the tongue:

an unintentional error in speech.

slip through the cracks:

to be overlooked or forgotten.

Related Words

slippery:

having a smooth or wet surface that causes sliding.

slipstream:

the airflow behind a moving object that can reduce drag.

slipshod:

careless or negligent in one’s work.

Slang Meanings of slip

Meaning: to bail or depart quickly

Example Sentence: He slipped out of the party when things got boring.

Meaning: to sneak in or out

Example Sentence: I slipped into the club without paying.