slate

1 of 3

noun

1
: a piece of construction material (such as laminated rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and siding
2
: a dense fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the compression of various sediments (such as clay or shale) so as to develop a characteristic cleavage
3
: a tablet (as of slate) used for writing on
4
a
: a written or unwritten record (as of deeds)
started with a clean slate
b
: a list of candidates for nomination or election
5
a
: a dark purplish gray
b
: any of various grays similar in color to common roofing slates
slate adjective
slatelike adjective

slate

2 of 3

verb (1)

slated; slating

transitive verb

1
: to cover (something) with slate or a slatelike substance
slate a roof
2
: to designate (someone or something) for a specified purpose or action occurring especially at a fixed time
was slated to direct the play
The new model is slated [=scheduled] for release early next year.

slate

3 of 3

verb (2)

slated; slating

transitive verb

1
: to thrash or pummel severely
2
chiefly British : to criticize or censure severely

Examples of slate in a Sentence

Noun Some school blackboards are made of slate. The house has a slate roof. Verb (1) you've been slated for a three o'clock interview Verb (2) ready to slate anyone who disagreed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans is the second of the slate, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. ET. Justin Curto, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024 Throughout the year, Halsey has been navigating the process of returning to her normal slate of responsibilities as a pop star after two years of undergoing medical treatments. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
In 2025, the aircraft is slated to roll out to airlines across the globe. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Nov. 2024 However, the show is slated to come out in Spring 2025. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slate 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sclate, slate, from Anglo-French *esclat, from esclater to splinter, break off, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zesleizzen, slīzan to tear apart — more at slit

Verb (2)

probably alteration of slat entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slate was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near slate

Cite this Entry

“Slate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slate. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

slate

1 of 2 noun
1
: a piece of construction material (as layered rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and siding
2
: a dense fine-grained rock formed by compression of shales or other rocks that splits readily into thin layers or plates
3
: a tablet of material (as slate) used for writing on
4
a
: a written or unwritten record (as of deeds)
started with a clean slate
b
: a list of candidates for nomination or election
5
a
: a dark purplish gray
b
: a gray similar in color to common roofing slate
slate adjective
slatelike adjective

slate

2 of 2 verb
slated; slating
1
: to cover with slate or a slatelike substance
slate a roof
2
: to register or schedule for a special purpose or action
slate a meeting
slater noun

More from Merriam-Webster on slate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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