What does "slap" mean?
A blow, especially one given with the open hand, or with something broad and flat.
Slap
/slæp/ adj, adv, noun, verb, slang
adj, adv, noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A blow, especially one given with the open hand, or with something broad and flat.
- Grammar: slap is listed as adj, adv, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: smack, abruptly, affront, all at once.
- Useful contrasts: apply carefully, apply evenly, buss.
- Usage evidence: That kid got a slap from his mother for being rude.
How to use "slap"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "slap" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "slap" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "slap" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "slap" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "slap" is acting as adj, adv, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "smack" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "slap", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A blow, especially one given with the open hand, or with something broad and flat. countable
"He gave me a friendly slap on the back as a sign of camaraderie."
- 2 Acronym of superior labrum from anterior to posterior. abbreviation, acronym, alt-of
- 3 the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand wordnet
- 4 A sharp percussive sound like that produced by such a blow. countable
"the slap of my feet on the bathroom tiles"
- 5 a blow from a flat object (as an open hand) wordnet
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 The percussive sound produced in slap bass playing. countable
"Havens goes into the terrific Freedom for an encore, which will turn out to be a highlight of the movie; its chopped guitar and conga slaps pre-empt late 90s R&B."
- 7 Makeup; cosmetics. slang, uncountable
"Well, she schlumphed her Vera down the screech at a rate of knots, zhooshed up the riah, checked the slap in the mirror behind the bar, straightened up one ogle fake riah that had come adrift, and bold as brass orderlied over as fast as she could manage in those bats and, in her best lips, asked, if she could parker the omi a bevvy."
- 8 An eye-catching sticker used in street art. countable, slang
"[…] which seek to retake public space for their own expression, using graffiti, stickering, 'slaps' and street art to dissent from the commercialisation of the public sphere."
Verb
- 1 To strike someone, typically with an open hand, often on the face. transitive
"She slapped him in response to the insult."
- 2 hit with something flat, like a paddle or the open hand wordnet
- 3 To cause something to strike soundly. transitive
"He slapped the reins against the horse's back."
- 4 to play music at loud volume wordnet
- 5 To strike soundly against something. intransitive
"The rain slapped against the window-panes."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 To be excellent, especially when relating to music. intransitive, slang, stative
"The band's new single slaps."
- 7 To place, to put carelessly. transitive
"We'd better slap some fresh paint on that wall."
- 8 To impose a penalty, etc. on (someone). figuratively, informal, transitive
"I was slapped with a parking fine."
- 9 To play slap bass on (an instrument). informal, transitive
"With no drums, Black began slapping his bass to keep time while Moore's guitar leaped in and out of the melody line."
Adjective
- 1 Very good, excellent, amazing. UK, slang
"These cookies are slap."
Adverb
- 1 Exactly, precisely not-comparable
"He tossed the file down slap in the middle of the table."
Adverb
- 1 directly wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"That kid got a slap from his mother for being rude."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "slap"?
Common synonyms include: smack, abruptly, affront, all at once, all of a sudden, altogether.
How do you use "slap" in a sentence?
That kid got a slap from his mother for being rude.
How do you pronounce "slap"?
Pronounced /slæp/.
Etymology
From Middle English slappen, of uncertain origin, possibly imitative. Compare Low German Slappe (“slap”), whence also German Schlappe (“defeat”). Compare also Italian sleppa (“slap”).