What does sloshing mean?
Sloshing describes the movement of a liquid when it is not completely still, especially when it moves freely inside a partly filled container. The motion is generally loose and irregular, often accompanied by a splashing or slopping sound. A cup may slosh as it is carried, seawater may slosh over a boat's side, or a person may slosh through mud in unsuitable boots. The word is more vivid than simply saying that liquid “moves,” because it suggests an uncontrolled, often noisy surge. It is also used figuratively for speech or writing that is excessively flowing, repetitive, or difficult to follow, as in criticism of “sloshing prose.”
To move or flow with a loose, splashing motion.
"The water sloshed around in the half-full bottle."
Commonly used with containers, boats, bodies of water, and places containing mud or loose material.
Characterized by liquid moving or sounding as though it is being tossed or stirred.
"A sloshing sound came from the bucket beside him."
This attributive use is common before nouns such as sound, water, and motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sloshing come from?
Sloshing is the present participle and gerund form of slosh, a verb whose deeper origin is uncertain. The word became established in English for the sound and movement of liquid moving unevenly in a vessel or surrounding space.
Related word forms
How sloshing is actually used
Usually describes liquid moving irregularly with a low splashing or swirling motion. It can also describe a person moving through water or mud in a heavy, wet manner.