slattern

1 of 2

noun

slat·​tern ˈsla-tərn How to pronounce slattern (audio)
plural slatterns
1
: an untidy dirty woman
2
disapproving
a
: a woman who has multiple sexual partners : a woman who is sexually promiscuous
b
: a woman who engages in sex acts and especially sexual intercourse in exchange for pay : a woman who is a sex worker

slattern

2 of 2

adjective

Examples of slattern in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
Jo (Rita Tushingham, a 19-year-old newcomer then) is encumbered by her slattern mother (Dora Bryan). Andy Webster, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slattern was circa 1640

Dictionary Entries Near slattern

Cite this Entry

“Slattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slattern. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

slattern

noun
slat·​tern
ˈslat-ərn
: an untidy sloppy woman

More from Merriam-Webster on slattern

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!