What does nonslip mean?
Nonslip means resistant to slipping and is used primarily for surfaces, footwear, stairs, mats, and similar objects intended to provide secure footing. A nonslip floor may still become slippery if it is wet, contaminated, or poorly maintained, but its surface is designed to create more friction than an ordinary smooth surface. The term is especially common in product descriptions, safety instructions, and construction or workplace contexts. It is also used for coatings, strips, and textures applied to make an existing surface safer. As an attributive adjective, nonslip normally appears directly before the noun it modifies, as in "nonslip soles" or "a nonslip surface." The alternative spelling "non-slip" is particularly frequent in British English.
adjectiveDesigned or treated to resist slipping, especially a surface, sole, or other object that comes into contact with a foot.
- Resistant to slipping; designed to provide secure footing.
"The trail was steep, but the workers' nonslip boots provided secure footing."
"The kitchen has a nonslip floor to reduce the risk of falls."
"He applied a nonslip coating to the smooth tiles."
A nonslip surface does not prevent movement altogether; it simply makes slipping less likely by increasing friction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nonslip
Nonslip is a compound formed in the 19th century from the prefix non-, meaning "not," and the word "slip." Its development parallels the older form "non-slip," which was already used for substances and surfaces that did not cause slipping. The related adjective "slippery" has its roots in Old English slipan, meaning "to slip or move smoothly."
How nonslip is actually used
Nonslip is usually attributive and commonly describes floors, surfaces, footwear, mats, or coatings. The spelling "non-slip" with a hyphen is also common, especially in British usage.