slather

1 of 2

noun

slath·​er ˈsla-t͟hər How to pronounce slather (audio)
Synonyms of slathernext
: a great quantity
—often used in plural

slather

2 of 2

verb

slathered; slathering ˈsla-t͟hə-riŋ How to pronounce slather (audio)
ˈslat͟h-riŋ

transitive verb

1
: to use or spend in a wasteful or lavish manner : squander
2
a
: to spread thickly or lavishly
slathered sunscreen on her skin
b
: to spread something thickly or lavishly on
slathered her skin with sunscreen

Examples of slather in a Sentence

Verb We ate lobster slathered with butter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Hosts slathered cubes of bread with butter and cheese and baked them until toasty. — Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 No need to stress over baking the cheese; simply toast up baguette slices and slather the spread on top. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 For less than $20, the body lotion is certainly worth checking out (and slathering on from head to toe). — Jamie Allison Sanders, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Body skincare is no longer the afterthought slathered on as a moisturizer in winter. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for slather

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slather was in 1843

Rhymes for slather

See All Rhymes for slather

Browse Nearby Words

slath
slather
slatier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slather. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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