What does slat mean?
In modern English, a slat is a narrow strip or board, commonly made of wood, though metal slats also occur in screens, fences, and similar structures. The noun is especially common in carpentry, furniture, and fencing, where several flat strips are fitted together. As a verb, slat can mean to fit or cover something with slats, as in “slat a bench,” or to strike or beat someone with a slat. The second use is comparatively rare and strongly physical, suggesting a sharp or forceful blow. The word is more specialized than its simple sound suggests and is encountered mainly when discussing construction, furniture, vehicles, or animal enclosures. It is also related to the common adjective slatted, which describes a surface made from strips of wood or similar material. Compared with a board, a slat implies a relatively narrow strip rather than a broad panel. Its compact form has led to confusion with slot, particularly in writing rather than speech.
A narrow strip or flat board of wood, metal, or similar material, especially one used in making furniture, fences, or screens.
"The gate creaked whenever the wind moved one of its wooden slats."
To fit, make, or cover something with slats; in a less common sense, to strike or beat someone with a slat.
"They slatted the old bench and repaired its frame."
Usually countable, especially for the individual strips used in furniture, fences, and screens.
"Several slats were missing from the cupboard doors."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slat come from?
The word appears in Old English as slǣtt, meaning a narrow strip or bar, and continued in Middle English in a similar sense. Its deeper origin is uncertain, so no certain cognates can safely be identified.
Related word forms
How slat is actually used
The noun is fairly specialized and is common in carpentry, furniture, fencing, vehicles, and animal enclosures. The verb meaning to fit with slats is ordinary in construction contexts, while the verb meaning to strike with a slat is comparatively rare and has a forceful physical connotation.
Easily confused with slat
A slat is a narrow strip of wood or another material, whereas a slot is a narrow opening or groove.