What does slatted mean?
Slatted describes an object that has narrow strips, called slats, arranged across or along its surface. The word commonly occurs with doors, fences, blinds, shutters, benches, and floors. A slatted fence allows light and air to pass through while still providing a barrier, and slatted blinds can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight entering a room. The term is especially familiar in British English and is also used in American English. It is more precise than simply saying “wooden” or “striped,” because it identifies the construction rather than the material or visual appearance. The adjective is formed from the noun “slat,” which has long referred to a narrow strip of wood or another material.
Having, fitted with, or made from slats.
"The slatted gate creaked as the breeze pushed it open."
Common with doors, fences, blinds, shutters, floors, and similar structures.
Fitted or covered with slats.
"The builders slatted the fence before the rain arrived."
This is the past tense and past participle of “slat” and is much less common than the adjective use.
From the narrow wooden strips in a fence to the familiar slatted blind, “slatted” describes objects defined by the lines between their pieces.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slatted come from?
The adjective is formed in English by adding the suffix “-ed” to the noun “slat,” with the suffix functioning in the participial sense of “provided with slats.” The word “slat” is attested in Middle English and is generally traced to an Old English word meaning a narrow strip or thin piece of material. English also developed the related forms “slats,” “slatting,” and “slatter.”
How slatted is actually used
The word is most often used as an adjective before a noun, especially for doors, fences, blinds, floors, and other structures or furnishings fitted with slats. It is more common in British English, though it is also understood and used in American English.
Easily confused with slatted
Slatted means fitted or made with slats, whereas slanted means inclined or sloping.