5 → see also Grand Slam

slam|mer /slæ mə r / N‑SING The slammer is prison. [INFORMAL ]

slan|der /slɑː ndə r , slæ n-/ (slanders , slandering , slandered )


1 N‑VAR Slander is an untrue spoken statement about someone which is intended to damage their reputation. Compare libel . □ Dr. Bach is now suing the company for slander.


2 VERB To slander someone means to say untrue things about them in order to damage their reputation. □ [V n] He has been questioned on suspicion of slandering the Prime Minister.

slan|der|ous /slɑː ndərəs, slæ n-/ ADJ A spoken statement that is slanderous is untrue and intended to damage the reputation of the person that it refers to. □ He wanted an explanation for what he described as 'slanderous' remarks.

slang /slæ ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Slang consists of words, expressions, and meanings that are informal and are used by people who know each other very well or who have the same interests. □ Archie liked to think he kept up with current slang.

slang|ing match /slæ ŋ I ŋ mætʃ/ (slanging matches ) N‑COUNT A slanging match is an angry quarrel in which people insult each other. [BRIT ] □ They conducted a public slanging match.

slangy /slæ ŋi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slangy speech or writing has a lot of slang in it. □ The play was full of slangy dialogue.

slant /slɑː nt, slæ nt/ (slants , slanting , slanted )


1 VERB Something that slants is sloping, rather than horizontal or vertical. □ [V adv/prep] The morning sun slanted through the glass roof. □ [V -ing] …slanting green eyes.


2 N‑SING If something is on a slant , it is in a slanting position. □ You're slightly above the garden because the house is on a slant. □ …long pockets cut on the slant.


3 VERB [usu passive] If information or a system is slanted , it is made to show favour towards a particular group or opinion. □ [be V -ed] The programme was deliberately slanted to make the home team look good. [Also be V -ed prep]


4 N‑SING A particular slant on a subject is a particular way of thinking about it, especially one that is unfair. □ The political slant at Focus can be described as centre-right.

slap /slæ p/ (slaps , slapping , slapped )


1 VERB If you slap someone, you hit them with the palm of your hand. □ [V n] He would push or slap her once in a while. □ [V n adv/prep] I slapped him hard across the face. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Slap is also a noun. □ He reached forward and gave her a slap.


2 VERB If you slap something onto a surface, you put it there quickly, roughly, or carelessly. □ [V n + on/onto ] The barman slapped the cup on to the waiting saucer.


3 VERB If journalists say that the authorities slap something such as a tax or a ban on something, they think it is unreasonable or put on without careful thought. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n + on ] The government slapped a ban on the export of unprocessed logs.


4 PHRASE If you describe something that someone does as a slap in the face , you mean that it shocks or upsets you because it shows that they do not support you or respect you. □ [+ for ] 'The Sun' calls it a massive slap in the face for the United States government. □ Britons persist in treating any pay rise of less than 5% as a slap in the face.

sla p ba ng also slap-bang ADV Slap bang is used in expressions such as slap bang in the middle of somewhere to mean exactly in that place. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Of course, slap-bang in the middle of town the rents are high.

slap|dash /slæ pdæʃ/ also slap-dash ADJ If you describe someone as slapdash , you mean that they do things carelessly without much thinking or planning. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Malcolm's work methods appear amazingly slapdash.

sla p-happy ADJ If you describe someone as slap-happy , you believe they are irresponsible and careless. □ …a slap-happy kind of cook.

slap|stick /slæ pst I k/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Slapstick is a simple type of comedy in which the actors behave in a rough and foolish way. □ …slapstick comedy.

sla p-up ADJ [ADJ n] A slap-up meal is a large enjoyable meal. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ We usually had one slap-up meal a day.

slash /slæ ʃ/ (slashes , slashing , slashed )


1 VERB If you slash something, you make a long, deep cut in it. □ [V n] He came within two minutes of bleeding to death after slashing his wrists. ● N‑COUNT Slash is also a noun. □ [+ in ] Make deep slashes in the meat and push in the spice paste.


2 VERB If you slash at a person or thing, you quickly hit at them with something such as a knife. □ [V + at ] He slashed at her, aiming carefully.


3 VERB To slash something such as costs or jobs means to reduce them by a large amount. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] Car makers could be forced to slash prices after being accused of overcharging yesterday.


4 You say slash to refer to a sloping line that separates letters, words, or numbers. For example, if you are giving the number 340/2/K you say 'Three four zero, slash two, slash K.' [SPOKEN ]

sla sh and bu rn also slash-and-burn N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Slash and burn is a method of farming that involves clearing land by destroying and burning all the trees and plants on it, farming there for a short time, and then moving on to clear a new piece of land. □ Traditional slash and burn farming methods have exhausted the soil.

slat /slæ t/ (slats ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Slats are narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic, usually with spaces between them, that are part of things such as Venetian blinds or cupboard doors.

slate /sle I t/ (slates , slating , slated )


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Slate is a dark-grey rock that can be easily split into thin layers. Slate is often used for covering roofs. □ … a stone-built cottage, with a traditional slate roof.


2 N‑COUNT A slate is one of the small flat pieces of slate that are used for covering roofs.


3 N‑COUNT A slate is a list of candidates for an election, usually from the same party. □ [+ of ] The leadership want to present a single slate of candidates to be approved in an open vote.


4 V-PASSIVE If something is slated to happen, it is planned to happen at a particular time or on a particular occasion. [mainly AM ] □ [be V -ed to-inf] He was slated to become U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. □ [be V -ed + for ] Controversial energy measures are slated for Senate debate within days.


5 VERB [usu passive] If something is slated , it is criticized very severely. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ [be V -ed] His new restaurant has been slated by a top food critic.


6 PHRASE If you start with a clean slate , you do not take account of previous mistakes or failures and make a fresh start. □ The proposal is to pay everything you owe, so that you can start with a clean slate.


7 PHRASE If you wipe the slate clean , you decide to forget previous mistakes, failures, or debts and to start again. □ Why not wipe the slate clean and start all over again?

slath|er /slæ ðə r / (slathers , slathering , slathered ) VERB If you slather something with a substance, or slather a substance onto something, you put the substance on in a thick layer. □ [V n with adv] If your skin is dry, you have to slather on moisturiser to soften it. □ [be V -ed prep] …pieces of toast slathered with butter and marmalade. [Also V n prep]

slat|ted /slæ t I d/ ADJ Something that is slatted is made with slats. □ …slatted window blinds.

slaugh|ter /slɔː tə r / (slaughters , slaughtering , slaughtered )


1 VERB [usu passive] If large numbers of people or animals are slaughtered , they are killed in a way that is cruel or unnecessary. □ [be V -ed] Thirty four people were slaughtered while queuing up to cast their votes. ● N‑UNCOUNT Slaughter is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …a war where the slaughter of civilians was commonplace.


2 VERB To slaughter animals such as cows and sheep means to kill them for their meat. □ [V n] Lack of chicken feed means that chicken farms are having to slaughter their stock. ● N‑UNCOUNT Slaughter is also a noun. □ More than 491,000 sheep were exported for slaughter last year.

slaughter|house /slɔː tə r haʊs/ (slaughterhouses ) N‑COUNT A slaughterhouse is a place where animals are killed for their meat.

Slav /slɑː v/ (Slavs ) N‑COUNT A Slav is a member of any of the peoples of Eastern Europe who speak a Slavonic language.

slave /sle I v/ (slaves , slaving , slaved )


1 N‑COUNT A slave is someone who is the property of another person and has to work for that person. □ The state of Liberia was formed a century and a half ago by freed slaves from the United States.


2 N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a slave when they are completely under the control of another person or of a powerful influence. □ [+ to ] Movie stars used to be slaves to the studio system.


3 VERB If you say that a person is slaving over something or is slaving for someone, you mean that they are working very hard. □ [V + over ] When you're busy all day the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. [Also V , V prep] ● PHRASAL VERB Slave away means the same as slave . □ [V P ] He stares at the hundreds of workers slaving away in the intense sun.


▸ slave away → see slave 3

sla ve la |bour in AM, use slave labor 1 N‑UNCOUNT Slave labour refers to slaves or to work done by slaves. □ The children were used as slave labour in gold mines in the jungle.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If people work very hard for long hours for very little money, you can refer to it as slave labour . [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He's been forced into slave labour at burger bars to earn a bit of cash.

slav|er /slæ və r / (slavers , slavering , slavered ) VERB If an animal slavers , liquid comes from its mouth, for example because it is about to attack and eat something. □ [V ] Mad guard dogs slavered at the end of their chains. □ [V -ing] …the wolf's slavering jaws.

slav|ery /sle I vəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Slavery is the system by which people are owned by other people as slaves. □ My people have survived 400 years of slavery.

sla ve trade N‑SING The slave trade is the buying and selling of slaves, especially Black Africans, from the 16th to the 19th centuries. □ …profits from the slave trade.

Slav|ic /slæ v I k, slɑː v-/ ADJ Something that is Slavic belongs or relates to Slavs. □ …Americans of Slavic descent.

slav|ish /sle I v I ʃ/ ADJ You use slavish to describe things that copy or imitate something exactly, without any attempt to be original. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She herself insists she is no slavish follower of fashion. ● slav|ish|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Your camera can be as useful as a sketchbook, but don't slavishly copy your photographs.

Sla|von|ic /sləvɒ n I k/ ADJ Something that is Slavonic relates to East European languages such as Russian, Czech, and Serbo-Croat, or to the people who speak them. □ The Ukrainians speak a Slavonic language similar to Russian.

slaw /slɔː / N‑UNCOUNT Slaw is a salad of chopped raw carrot, onions, cabbage and other vegetables in mayonnaise. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use coleslaw

slay /sle I / (slays , slaying , slew , slayed , slain )


1 VERB If someone slays an animal, they kill it in a violent way. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …the hill where St George slew the dragon.


2 V-PASSIVE If someone has been slain , they have been murdered. [mainly AM ] □ [be V -ed] Two Australian tourists were slain.

slay|ing /sle I I ŋ/ (slayings ) N‑COUNT A slaying is a murder. [mainly AM ] □ …a trail of motiveless slayings. in BRIT, usually use killing

sleaze /sliː z/ N‑UNCOUNT You use sleaze to describe activities that you consider immoral, dishonest, or not respectable, especially in politics, business, journalism, or entertainment. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ They have made it easy for Sven to fill his expensive boots while allowing an atmosphere of sleaze to develop.

slea|zy /sliː zi/ (sleazier , sleaziest )


1 ADJ If you describe a place as sleazy , you dislike it because it looks dirty and badly cared for, and not respectable. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …sleazy bars.


2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as sleazy , you disapprove of them because you think they are not respectable and are rather disgusting. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The accusations are making the government's conduct appear increasingly sleazy.

sled /sle d/ (sleds , sledding , sledded )


1 N‑COUNT A sled is the same as a sledge . [AM ]


2 VERB If you go sledding , you ride on a sled. [AM ] □ [V -ing] We got home and went sledding on the small hill in our back yard. [Also V ]

sledge /sle dʒ/ (sledges , sledging , sledged )


1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A sledge is an object used for travelling over snow. It consists of a framework which slides on two strips of wood or metal. [BRIT ] □ She travelled 14,000 miles by sledge across Siberia to Kamchatka.


2 VERB If you sledge or go sledging , you ride on a sledge. [BRIT ] □ [V -ing] Our hill is marvellous for sledging and we always have snow in January. [Also V prep]

sledge|hammer /sle dʒhæmə r / (sledgehammers ) also sledge-hammer N‑COUNT A sledgehammer is a large, heavy hammer with a long handle, used for breaking up rocks and concrete.

sleek /sliː k/ (sleeker , sleekest )


1 ADJ Sleek hair or fur is smooth and shiny and looks healthy. □ …sleek black hair. □ The horse's sleek body gleamed.


2 ADJ If you describe someone as sleek , you mean that they look rich and stylish. □ She works an array of different looks - from rock chick to sleek and sophisticated - in the stunning photo collection.


3 ADJ Sleek vehicles, furniture, or other objects look smooth, shiny, and expensive. □ … a sleek white BMW. □ …sleek modern furniture.

sleep ◆◆◇ /sliː p/ (sleeps , sleeping , slept )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Sleep is the natural state of rest in which your eyes are closed, your body is inactive, and your mind does not think. □ They were exhausted from lack of sleep. □ Try and get some sleep. □ Be quiet and go to sleep. □ Often he would have bad dreams and cry out in his sleep.


2 VERB When you sleep , you rest with your eyes closed and your mind and body inactive. □ [V ] During the car journey, the baby slept. □ [V -ing] …a pool surrounded by sleeping sunbathers.


3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A sleep is a period of sleeping. □ I think he may be ready for a sleep soon.


4 VERB [no cont, no passive] If a building or room sleeps a particular number of people, it has beds for that number of people. □ [V amount] The villa sleeps 10 and costs £530 per person for two weeks.


5 → see also sleeping


6 PHRASE If you cannot get to sleep , you are unable to sleep. □ I can't get to sleep with all that singing.


7 PHRASE If you say that you didn't lose any sleep over something, you mean that you did not worry about it at all. □ I didn't lose too much sleep over that investigation.


8 PHRASE If you are trying to make a decision and you say that you will sleep on it , you mean that you will delay making a decision on it until the following day, so you have time to think about it.


9 PHRASE If a sick or injured animal is put to sleep , it is killed by a vet in a way that does not cause it pain. □ I'm going take the dog down to the vet's and have her put to sleep.


10 to sleep rough → see rough


▸ sleep around PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone sleeps around , you disapprove of them because they have sex with a lot of different people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P ] I don't sleep around. □ [V P + with ] For me, it's not cool to go out and sleep around with multiple partners.


▸ sleep off PHRASAL VERB If you sleep off the effects of too much travelling, drink, or food, you recover from it by sleeping. □ [V P n] It's a good idea to spend the first night of your holiday sleeping off the jet lag. □ [V n P ] They had been up all night and were sleeping it off.


▸ sleep over PHRASAL VERB If someone, especially a child, sleeps over in a place such as a friend's home, they stay there for one night. □ [V P ] She said his friends could sleep over in the big room downstairs.


▸ sleep together PHRASAL VERB If two people are sleeping together , they are having a sexual relationship, but are not usually married to each other. □ [V P ] I'm pretty sure they slept together before they were married.


▸ sleep with PHRASAL VERB If you sleep with someone, you have sex with them. □ [V P n] He was old enough to sleep with a girl and make her pregnant.

sleep|er /sliː pə r / (sleepers )


1 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can use sleeper to indicate how well someone sleeps. For example, if someone is a light sleeper , they are easily woken up. □ I'm a very light sleeper and I can hardly get any sleep at all.


2 N‑COUNT In British English, a sleeper is a carriage on a train containing beds for passengers to sleep in at night, or a section of such a carriage. The usual American words are sleeping car for the carriage and roomette for the section.


3 N‑COUNT A sleeper is a train with beds for its passengers to sleep in at night. [BRIT ]


4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Railway sleepers are large heavy beams that support the rails of a railway track. [BRIT ] in AM, use ties

sleep|ing /sliː p I ŋ/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use sleeping to describe places where people sleep or things concerned with where people sleep. □ On the top floor we have sleeping quarters for women and children.


2 → see also sleep USAGE sleeping or asleep?


Don’t use asleep in front of a noun. Don’t, for example, talk about an ‘ asleep child ’. Instead, you can say a ‘sleeping child ’.

slee p|ing bag (sleeping bags ) N‑COUNT A sleeping bag is a large deep bag with a warm lining, used for sleeping in, especially when you are camping.

slee p|ing car (sleeping cars ) N‑COUNT A sleeping car is a railway carriage containing beds for passengers to sleep in at night.

slee p|ing gi ant (sleeping giants ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone or something as a sleeping giant , you mean that they are powerful but they have not yet shown the full extent of their power. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ of ] The trust, which has 2.3 million members, is a sleeping giant of the environment movement.

slee p|ing pa rt|ner (sleeping partners ) N‑COUNT A sleeping partner is a person who provides some of the capital for a business but who does not take an active part in managing the business. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] in AM, use silent partner

slee p|ing pill (sleeping pills ) N‑COUNT A sleeping pill is a pill that you can take to help you sleep.

slee p|ing sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT Sleeping sickness is a serious tropical disease which causes great tiredness and often leads to death.

slee p|ing tab|let (sleeping tablets ) N‑COUNT A sleeping tablet is the same as a sleeping pill .

sleep|less /sliː pləs/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sleepless night is one during which you do not sleep. □ I have sleepless nights worrying about her.


2 ADJ Someone who is sleepless is unable to sleep. □ A sleepless baby can seem to bring little reward.

sleep|over /sliː poʊvə r / (sleepovers ) also sleep-over N‑COUNT A sleepover is an occasion when someone, especially a child, sleeps for one night in a place such as a friend's home.

sleep|walk /sliː pwɔːk/ (sleepwalks , sleepwalking , sleepwalked ) VERB If someone is sleepwalking , they are walking around while they are asleep. □ [V ] He once sleepwalked to the middle of the road outside his home at 1 a.m.

sleepy /sliː pi/ (sleepier , sleepiest )


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are sleepy , you are very tired and are almost asleep. □ I was beginning to feel amazingly sleepy. ● sleepi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Joanna sat up, blinking sleepily. ● sleepi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He tried to fight the sleepiness that overwhelmed him.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sleepy place is quiet and does not have much activity or excitement. □ Valence is a sleepy little town just south of Lyon.

sleet /sliː t/ N‑UNCOUNT Sleet is rain that is partly frozen. □ …blinding snow, driving sleet and wind.

sleeve /sliː v/ (sleeves )


1 N‑COUNT The sleeves of a coat, shirt, or other item of clothing are the parts that cover your arms. □ His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. □ [+ of ] He wore a black band on the left sleeve of his jacket.


2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A record sleeve is the stiff envelope in which a record is kept. [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ of ] There are to be no pictures of him on the sleeve of the new record. in AM, usually use jacket


3 PHRASE If you have something up your sleeve , you have an idea or plan which you have not told anyone about. You can also say that someone has an ace, card, or trick up their sleeve . □ He wondered what Shearson had up his sleeve.

-sleeved /-sliːvd/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -sleeved is added to adjectives such as 'long' and 'short' to form adjectives which indicate that an item of clothing has long or short sleeves. □ …a short-sleeved blue shirt.

sleeve|less /sliː vləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sleeveless dress, top, or other item of clothing has no sleeves. □ She wore a sleeveless silk dress.

slee ve note (sleeve notes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The sleeve notes are short pieces of writing on the covers of records, which tell you something about the music or the musicians. [BRIT ] in AM, use liner note

sleigh /sle I / (sleighs ) N‑COUNT A sleigh is a vehicle which can slide over snow. Sleighs are usually pulled by horses.

sleight of hand /sla I t əv hæ nd/ (sleights of hand ) N‑VAR Sleight of hand is the deceiving of someone in a skilful way. □ He accused Mr MacGregor of 'sleight of hand'.

slen|der /sle ndə r /


1 ADJ A slender person is attractively thin and graceful. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □ She was slender, with delicate wrists and ankles. □ …a tall, slender figure in a straw hat.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use slender to describe a situation which exists but only to a very small degree. [WRITTEN ] □ The United States held a slender lead.

slept /sle pt/ Slept is the past tense and past participle of sleep .

sleuth /sluː θ/ (sleuths ) N‑COUNT A sleuth is a detective. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

sleuth|ing /sluː θ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sleuthing is the investigation of a crime or mystery by someone who is not a police officer. [LITERARY ] □ I did a little sleuthing to see if I could find any footprints.

slew /sluː / (slews , slewing , slewed )


1 Slew is the past tense of slay .


2 VERB If a vehicle slews or is slewed across a road, it slides across it. □ [V adv/prep] The bus slewed sideways. □ [V n prep/adv] He slewed the car against the side of the building.


3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A slew of things is a large number of them. [mainly AM ] □ [+ of ] There have been a whole slew of shooting incidents.

slice ◆◇◇ /sla I s/ (slices , slicing , sliced )


1 N‑COUNT A slice of bread, meat, fruit, or other food is a thin piece that has been cut from a larger piece. □ [+ of ] Try to eat at least four slices of bread a day. □ [+ of ] …water flavoured with a slice of lemon.


2 VERB If you slice bread, meat, fruit, or other food, you cut it into thin pieces. □ [V n] Helen sliced the cake. □ [V n + into ] Slice the steak into long thin slices. ● PHRASAL VERB Slice up means the same as slice . □ [V P n] I sliced up an onion. □ [V n P ] He began slicing the pie up.


3 N‑COUNT You can use slice to refer to a part of a situation or activity. □ [+ of ] Fiction takes up a large slice of the publishing market.


4 → see also sliced , fish slice


5 a slice of the action → see action


▸ slice up → see slice 2 SYNONYMS slice VERB 2


cut: Theo was cutting himself a piece of the pink cake.


carve: Carve the beef into slices.


chop: Chop the onions very finely.

sliced /sla I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sliced bread has been cut into slices before being wrapped and sold. □ …a sliced white loaf.

slick /sl I k/ (slicker , slickest , slicks )


1 ADJ A slick performance, production, or advertisement is skilful and impressive. □ There's a big difference between an amateur movie and a slick Hollywood production. ● slick|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ These actors and directors brought a new sophistication and slickness to modern theatre.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A slick action is done quickly and smoothly, and without any obvious effort. □ The goal that sealed the points was an exhibition of slick passing football.


3 ADJ A slick person speaks easily in a way that is likely to convince people, but is not sincere. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Don't be fooled by slick politicians.


4 N‑COUNT A slick is the same as an oil slick . □ Experts are trying to devise ways to clean up the huge slick.

slick|er /sl I kə r / (slickers )


1 N‑COUNT A slicker is a long loose waterproof coat. [AM ] in BRIT, use oilskins 2 → see also slick

slide ◆◇◇ /sla I d/ (slides , sliding , slid )


1 VERB When something slides somewhere or when you slide it there, it moves there smoothly over or against something. □ [V n with adj] She slid the door open. □ [V n prep/adv] I slid the wallet into his pocket. □ [V prep/adv] Tears were sliding down his cheeks. [Also V ]


2 VERB If you slide somewhere, you move there smoothly and quietly. □ [V prep/adv] He slid into the driver's seat.


3 VERB To slide into a particular mood, attitude, or situation means to gradually start to have that mood, attitude, or situation often without intending to. □ [V + into ] She had slid into a depression.


4 VERB If currencies or prices slide , they gradually become worse or lower in value. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V ] The U.S. dollar continued to slide. □ [V amount] Shares slid 11p to 293p after brokers downgraded their profit estimates. ● N‑COUNT Slide is also a noun. □ [+ in ] …the dangerous slide in oil prices.


5 N‑COUNT A slide is a small piece of photographic film which you project onto a screen so that you can see the picture. □ …a slide show.


6 N‑COUNT A slide is a single page of an electronic presentation which you usually view on a computer or on a larger screen. □ He shows slides revealing that most people think the Government is doing poorly.


7 N‑COUNT A slide is a piece of glass on which you put something that you want to examine through a microscope.


8 N‑COUNT A slide is a piece of playground equipment that has a steep slope for children to go down for fun.


9 PHRASE If you let something slide , you allow it to get into a worse state or condition by not attending to it. □ The company had let environmental standards slide. SYNONYMS slide VERB 1


slip: He had slipped on an icy pavement.


glide: Waiters glide between tightly packed tables bearing trays of pasta.


slither: Robert lost his footing and slithered down the bank.

sli de rule (slide rules ) N‑COUNT A slide rule is an instrument that you use for calculating numbers. It looks like a ruler and has a middle part that slides backwards and forwards.

sli d|ing doo r (sliding doors ) N‑COUNT Sliding doors are doors which slide together rather than swinging on hinges.

sli d|ing sca le (sliding scales ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Payments such as wages or taxes that are calculated on a sliding scale are higher or lower depending on various different factors. □ [+ of ] Many practitioners have a sliding scale of fees.

slight ◆◇◇ /sla I t/ (slighter , slightest , slights , slighting , slighted )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is slight is very small in degree or quantity. □ Doctors say he has made a slight improvement. □ We have a slight problem. □ He's not the slightest bit worried.


2 ADJ A slight person has a fairly thin and delicate looking body. □ She is smaller and slighter than Christie. ● slight|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □ …a slightly built man.


3 VERB [usu passive] If you are slighted , someone does or says something that insults you by treating you as if your views or feelings are not important. □ [feel V -ed] They felt slighted by not being adequately consulted. ● N‑COUNT Slight is also a noun. □ [+ on ] It isn't a slight on my husband that I enjoy my evening class.


4 PHRASE You use in the slightest to emphasize a negative statement. [EMPHASIS ] □ That doesn't interest me in the slightest. SYNONYMS slight ADJ 1


minor: Western officials say it's a minor problem, and should be quickly overcome.


insignificant: In 1949 Bonn was a small, insignificant city.


negligible: The pay that the soldiers received was negligible.


meagre: The bank's staff were already angered by a meagre 3.1% pay rise. VERB 3


snub: He snubbed her in public and made her feel an idiot.


insult: I did not mean to insult you.


ignore: She said her husband ignored her.

slight|ly ◆◆◇ /sla I tli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] Slightly means to some degree but not to a very large degree. □ His family then moved to a slightly larger house. □ They will be slightly more expensive but they last a lot longer. □ You can adjust it slightly. SYNONYMS slightly ADV


rather: I grew up in rather unusual circumstances.


somewhat: He concluded that Oswald was somewhat odd.


quite: I felt quite bitter about it at the time.


fairly: Both ships are fairly new.

slim ◆◇◇ /sl I m/ (slimmer , slimmest , slims , slimming , slimmed )


1 ADJ A slim person has an attractively thin and well-shaped body. [APPROVAL ] □ The young woman was tall and slim. □ Jean is pretty, of slim build, with blue eyes.


2 VERB If you are slimming , you are trying to make yourself thinner and lighter by eating less food. □ [V ] Some people will gain weight, no matter how hard they try to slim. [Also V n] ● PHRASAL VERB Slim down means the same as slim . □ [V P ] Doctors have told Benny to slim down. □ [V P n] …salon treatments that claim to slim down thighs.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A slim book, wallet, or other object is thinner than usual. □ The slim booklets describe a range of services and facilities.


4 ADJ A slim chance or possibility is a very small one. □ There's still a slim chance that he may become Prime Minister.


5 VERB If an organization slims its products or workers, it reduces the number of them that it has. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] The company recently slimmed its product line.


▸ slim down


1 PHRASAL VERB If a company or other organization slims down or is slimmed down , it employs fewer people, in order to save money or become more efficient. [BUSINESS ] □ [V P ] Many firms have had little choice but to slim down. □ [V P n] …the plan to slim down the coal industry. [Also V n P ]


2 → see slim 2 SYNONYMS slim ADJ 1


thin: He was a tall, thin man with grey hair.


slender: She was slender, with delicate wrists and ankles.


slight: She is smaller and slighter than Christie.


lean: Like most athletes, she was lean and muscular.

slime /sla I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Slime is a thick, wet substance which covers a surface or comes from the bodies of animals such as snails. □ There was an unappealing film of slime on top of the pond.

slim|line /sl I mla I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slimline objects are thinner or narrower than normal ones. □ The slimline diary fits easily into a handbag.

slimy /sla I mi/ (slimier , slimiest )


1 ADJ Slimy substances are thick, wet, and unpleasant. Slimy objects are covered in a slimy substance. □ His feet slipped in the slimy mud.


2 ADJ If you describe someone as slimy , you dislike them because they are friendly and pleasant in an insincere way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I've worked hard for what I have and I don't want it taken away by some slimy business partner.

sling /sl I ŋ/ (slings , slinging , slung )


1 VERB If you sling something somewhere, you throw it there carelessly. □ [V n prep/adv] I saw him take off his anorak and sling it into the back seat.


2 VERB If you sling something over your shoulder or over something such as a chair, you hang it there loosely. □ [V n prep] She slung her coat over her desk chair. □ [V -ed prep] He had a small green rucksack slung over one shoulder.


3 VERB [usu passive] If a rope, blanket, or other object is slung between two points, someone has hung it loosely between them. □ [be V -ed prep] …two long poles with a blanket slung between them.


4 N‑COUNT A sling is an object made of ropes, straps, or cloth that is used for carrying things. □ [+ of ] They used slings of rope to lower us from one set of arms to another.


5 N‑COUNT A sling is a piece of cloth which supports someone's broken or injured arm and is tied round their neck. □ She was back at work with her arm in a sling.


6 → see also mud-slinging

sling|shot /sl I ŋʃɒt/ (slingshots ) N‑COUNT A slingshot is a catapult . [AM ]

slink /sl I ŋk/ (slinks , slinking , slunk ) VERB If you slink somewhere, you move there quietly because you do not want to be seen. □ [V adv/prep] He decided that he couldn't just slink away, so he went and sat next to his wife.

slinky /sl I ŋki/ (slinkier , slinkiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slinky clothes fit very closely to a woman's body in a way that makes her look sexually attractive. □ She's wearing a slinky black mini-skirt.

slip ◆◆◇ /sl I p/ (slips , slipping , slipped )


1 VERB If you slip , you accidentally slide and lose your balance. □ [V ] He had slipped on an icy pavement. □ [V ] Be careful not to slip.


2 VERB If something slips , it slides out of place or out of your hand. □ [V ] His glasses had slipped. □ [V prep/adv] The hammer slipped out of her grasp.


3 VERB If you slip somewhere, you go there quickly and quietly. □ [V adv/prep] Amy slipped downstairs and out of the house.


4 VERB If you slip something somewhere, you put it there quickly in a way that does not attract attention. □ [V n prep] I slipped a note under Louise's door. □ [V n with adv] Just slip in a piece of paper.


5 VERB If you slip something to someone, you give it to them secretly. □ [V n n] Robert had slipped her a note in school. □ [V n + to ] She looked round before pulling out a package and slipping it to the man.


6 VERB To slip into a particular state or situation means to pass gradually into it, in a way that is hardly noticed. □ [V + into ] It amazed him how easily one could slip into a routine.


7 VERB If something slips to a lower level or standard, it falls to that level or standard. □ [V + to/from/by ] Shares slipped to 117p. □ [V amount] In June, producer prices slipped 0.1% from May. □ [V ] Overall business activity is slipping. ● N‑SING Slip is also a noun. □ [+ in ] …a slip in consumer confidence.


8 VERB If you slip into or out of clothes or shoes, you put them on or take them off quickly and easily. □ [V + into/out of ] She slipped out of the jacket and tossed it on the couch. □ [V n with on/off ] I slipped off my woollen gloves.


9 N‑COUNT A slip is a small or unimportant mistake. □ We must be well prepared, there must be no slips.


10 N‑COUNT A slip of paper is a small piece of paper. □ [+ of ] …little slips of paper he had torn from a notebook. □ I put her name on the slip.


11 N‑COUNT A slip is a thin piece of clothing that a woman wears under her dress or skirt.


12 → see also Freudian slip


13 PHRASE If you give someone the slip , you escape from them when they are following you or watching you. [INFORMAL ] □ He gave reporters the slip by leaving at midnight.


14 PHRASE If you let slip information, you accidentally tell it to someone, when you wanted to keep it secret. □ I bet he let slip that I'd gone to America.


15 PHRASE If something slips your mind , you forget about it. □ The reason for my visit had obviously slipped his mind.


16 to slip through your fingers → see finger


17 slip of the tongue → see tongue


▸ slip in PHRASAL VERB If you slip in a question or comment, you ask or make it without interrupting the flow of the conversation. □ [V P n] Slip in a few questions about other things. [Also V n P ]


▸ slip through PHRASAL VERB If something or something slips through a set of checks or rules, they are accepted when in fact they should not be. □ [V P n] …hardened trouble-makers who have slipped through the security checks. □ [V P ] The slightest little bit of inattention can let something slip through.


▸ slip up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you slip up , you make a small or unimportant mistake. □ [V P ] There were occasions when we slipped up.


2 → see also slip-up

sli p-on (slip-ons ) ADJ [ADJ n] Slip-on shoes have nothing fastening them. □ …slip-on boat shoes. ● N‑COUNT Slip-on is also a noun. □ He removed his brown slip-ons.

slip|page /sl I p I dʒ/ (slippages ) N‑VAR Slippage is a failure to maintain a steady position or rate of progress, so that a particular target or standard is not achieved. □ [+ in ] …a substantial slippage in the value of sterling.

sli pped di sc (slipped discs ) N‑COUNT If you have a slipped disc , you have a bad back because one of the discs in your spine has moved out of its proper position.

slip|per /sl I pə r / (slippers ) N‑COUNT Slippers are loose, soft shoes that you wear at home.

slip|pery /sl I pəri/


1 ADJ Something that is slippery is smooth, wet, or oily and is therefore difficult to walk on or to hold. □ The tiled floor was wet and slippery. □ Motorists were warned to beware of slippery conditions.


2 ADJ You can describe someone as slippery if you think that they are dishonest in a clever way and cannot be trusted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He is a slippery customer, and should be carefully watched.


3 PHRASE If someone is on a slippery slope , they are involved in a course of action that is difficult to stop and that will eventually lead to failure or trouble. □ The company started down the slippery slope of believing that they knew better than the customer.

sli p road (slip roads ) N‑COUNT A slip road is a road which cars use to drive on and off a motorway. [BRIT ] in AM, use entrance ramp , exit ramp

slip|shod /sl I pʃɒd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something is slipshod , it has been done in a careless way. □ The hotel had always been run in a slipshod way.

slip|stream /sl I pstriːm/ (slipstreams ) N‑COUNT The slipstream of a fast-moving object such as a car, plane, or boat is the flow of air directly behind it. □ He left a host of other riders trailing in his slipstream.

sli p-up (slip-ups ) N‑COUNT A slip-up is a small or unimportant mistake. [INFORMAL ] □ There's been a slip-up somewhere.

slip|way /sl I pwe I / (slipways ) N‑COUNT A slipway is a large platform that slopes down into the sea, from which boats are put into the water.

slit /sl I t/ (slits , slitting ) The form slit is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you slit something, you make a long narrow cut in it. □ [V n] They say somebody slit her throat. □ [V n with open ] He began to slit open each envelope. □ [V -ed + to/from ] She was wearing a white dress slit to the thigh.


2 N‑COUNT A slit is a long narrow cut. □ [+ in ] Make a slit in the stem about half an inch long.


3 N‑COUNT A slit is a long narrow opening in something. □ [+ in ] She watched them through a slit in the curtains.

slith|er /sl I ðə r / (slithers , slithering , slithered )


1 VERB If you slither somewhere, you slide along in an uneven way. □ [V prep/adv] Robert lost his footing and slithered down the bank.


2 VERB If an animal such as a snake slithers , it moves along in a curving way. □ [V prep/adv] The snake slithered into the water. [Also V ]

slith|ery /sl I ðəri/ ADJ Something that is slithery is wet or smooth, and so slides easily over things or is easy to slip on. □ …slithery rice noodles.

sliv|er /sl I və r / (slivers ) N‑COUNT A sliver of something is a small thin piece or amount of it. □ [+ of ] Not a sliver of glass remains where the windows were.

Sloane /sloʊ n/ (Sloanes ) N‑COUNT Rich young people from upper middle class backgrounds in London are sometimes called Sloanes . [BRIT ]

slob /slɒ b/ (slobs ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a slob , you mean that they are very lazy and untidy. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ My boyfriend used to call me a fat slob.

slob|ber /slɒ bə r / (slobbers , slobbering , slobbered ) VERB If a person or an animal slobbers , they let liquid fall from their mouth. □ [V prep] The dog tried to slobber all over me in the park. [Also V ]

sloe /sloʊ / (sloes ) N‑VAR A sloe is a small, sour fruit that has a dark purple skin. It is often used to flavour gin.

slog /slɒ g/ (slogs , slogging , slogged )


1 VERB If you slog through something, you work hard and steadily through it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V prep] They secure their degrees by slogging through an intensive 11-month course. □ [V + way through ] She has slogged her way through ballet classes since the age of six. ● PHRASAL VERB Slog away means the same as slog . □ [V P ] Edward slogged away, always learning.


2 N‑SING If you describe a task as a slog , you mean that it is tiring and requires a lot of effort. [INFORMAL ] □ There is little to show for the two years of hard slog.

slo|gan /sloʊ gən/ (slogans ) N‑COUNT A slogan is a short phrase that is easy to remember. Slogans are used in advertisements and by political parties and other organizations who want people to remember what they are saying or selling. □ They could campaign on the slogan 'We'll take less of your money'. WORD HISTORY slogan


Slogan comes from Gaelic sluaghghairm , which means 'war cry'.

slo|gan|eer|ing /sloʊ gən I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Sloganeering is the use of slogans by people such as politicians or advertising agencies. □ [+ of ] …the sloganeering of the marketing department.

sloop /sluː p/ (sloops ) N‑COUNT A sloop is a small sailing boat with one mast.

slop /slɒ p/ (slops , slopping , slopped )


1 VERB If liquid slops from a container or if you slop liquid somewhere, it comes out over the edge of the container, usually accidentally. □ [V adv/prep] A little cognac slopped over the edge of the glass. □ [V n adv/prep] Refilling his cup, she slopped some tea into the saucer. [Also V , V n]


2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use slop or slops to refer to liquid waste containing the remains of food. □ Breakfast plates were collected and the slops emptied.

slope /sloʊ p/ (slopes , sloping , sloped )


1 N‑COUNT A slope is the side of a mountain, hill, or valley. □ Saint-Christo is perched on a mountain slope. □ [+ of ] …the lower slopes of the Himalayas.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A slope is a surface that is at an angle, so that one end is higher than the other. □ The street must have been on a slope.


3 VERB If a surface slopes , it is at an angle, so that one end is higher than the other. □ [V adv/prep] The bank sloped down sharply to the river. □ [V ] The garden sloped quite steeply. ● slop|ing ADJ □ …a brick building, with a sloping roof. □ …the gently sloping beach.


4 VERB If something slopes , it leans to the right or to the left rather than being upright. □ [V adv/prep] The writing sloped backwards.


5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The slope of something is the angle at which it slopes. □ The slope increases as you go up the curve. □ [+ of ] …a slope of ten degrees.


6 → see also ski slope


7 slippery slope → see slippery

slo p|ping ou t also slopping-out N‑UNCOUNT In prisons where prisoners have to use buckets as toilets, slopping out is the practice in which they empty the buckets. [BRIT ]

slop|py /slɒ pi/ (sloppier , sloppiest )


1 ADJ If you describe someone's work or activities as sloppy , you mean they have been done in a careless and lazy way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He has little patience for sloppy work from colleagues.


2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as sloppy , you mean that they are sentimental and romantic. □ It's ideal for people who like a sloppy movie.

slosh /slɒ ʃ/ (sloshes , sloshing , sloshed )


1 VERB If a liquid sloshes around or if you slosh it around , it moves around in different directions. □ [V adv/prep] The water sloshed around the bridge. □ [V n adv/prep] The label recommends sloshing the mouthwash around in the mouth for 30 seconds. □ [V ] The champagne sloshed and spilt. [Also V n]


2 VERB If you slosh through mud or water, you walk through it in an energetic way, so that the mud or water makes sounds as you walk. □ [V adv/prep] The two girls joined arms and sloshed through the mud together.

sloshed /slɒ ʃt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is sloshed , they have drunk too much alcohol. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Everyone else was getting sloshed.

slot /slɒ t/ (slots , slotting , slotted )


1 N‑COUNT A slot is a narrow opening in a machine or container, for example a hole that you put coins in to make a machine work. □ He dropped a coin into the slot and dialed.


2 VERB If you slot something into something else, or if it slots into it, you put it into a space where it fits. □ [V n + into/in/onto ] The seatbelt buckle has red LED lights to indicate where to slot the belt in. □ [V + into/in/onto ] The car seat belt slotted into place easily. □ [V n with adv] She slotted in a fresh filter.


3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A slot in a schedule or scheme is a place in it where an activity can take place. □ Visitors can book a time slot a week or more in advance.

sloth /sloʊ θ/ (sloths )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Sloth is laziness, especially with regard to work. [FORMAL ] □ He admitted a lack of motivation and a feeling of sloth.


2 N‑COUNT A sloth is an animal from Central and South America. Sloths live in trees and move very slowly.

sloth|ful /sloʊ θfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is slothful is lazy and unwilling to make an effort to work. [FORMAL ] □ He was not slothful: he had been busy all night.

slo t ma|chine (slot machines ) N‑COUNT A slot machine is a machine from which you can get food or cigarettes or on which you can gamble. You make it work by putting coins into a slot.

slo t|ted spoo n (slotted spoons ) N‑COUNT A slotted spoon is a large plastic or metal spoon with holes in it. It is used to take food out of a liquid.

slouch /slaʊ tʃ/ (slouches , slouching , slouched )


1 VERB If someone slouches , they sit or stand with their shoulders and head bent so they look lazy and unattractive. □ [V ] Try not to slouch when you are sitting down. □ [V prep/adv] She has recently begun to slouch over her typewriter.


2 VERB If someone slouches somewhere, they walk around slowly with their shoulders and head bent looking lazy or bored. □ [V adv/prep] Most of the time, they slouch around in the fields.

slough /slʌ f/ (sloughs , sloughing , sloughed ) VERB When a plant sloughs its leaves, or an animal such as a snake sloughs its skin, the leaves or skin come off naturally. □ [V n] All reptiles have to slough their skin to grow. [Also V ] ● PHRASAL VERB Slough off means the same as slough . □ [V P n] Our bodies slough off dead cells. [Also V n P ]

slov|en|ly /slʌ v ə nli/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Slovenly people are careless, untidy, or inefficient. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Lisa was irritated by the slovenly attitude of her boyfriend Sean.

slow ◆◆◇ /sloʊ / (slower , slowest , slows , slowing , slowed )


1 ADJ Something that is slow moves, happens, or is done without much speed. □ The traffic is heavy and slow. □ Electric whisks should be used on a slow speed. □ …slow, regular breathing. ● slow|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He spoke slowly and deliberately. □ Christian backed slowly away. ● slow|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ She lowered the glass with calculated slowness.


2 ADV [ADV after v] In informal English, slower is used to mean 'at a slower speed' and slowest is used to mean 'at the slowest speed'. In non-standard English, slow is used to mean 'with little speed'. □ I began to walk slower and slower. □ We got there by driving slow all the way.


3 ADJ Something that is slow takes a long time. □ The distribution of passports has been a slow process. ● slow|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ My resentment of her slowly began to fade. ● slow|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the slowness of political and economic progress.


4 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If someone is slow to do something, they do it after a delay. □ The world community has been slow to respond to the crisis. [Also + in ]


5 VERB If something slows or if you slow it, it starts to move or happen more slowly. □ [V ] The rate of bombing has slowed considerably. □ [V n] She slowed the car and began driving up a narrow road.


6 ADJ Someone who is slow is not very clever and takes a long time to understand things. □ Sorry, I can be a bit slow at times.


7 ADJ If you describe a situation, place, or activity as slow , you mean that it is not very exciting. □ The island is too slow for her liking.


8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a clock or watch is slow , it shows a time that is earlier than the correct time.


9 → see also slow-


10 slow off the mark → see mark


11 slowly but surely → see surely


12 slow on the uptake → see uptake


▸ slow down


1 PHRASAL VERB If something slows down or is if something slows it down , it starts to move or happen more slowly. □ [V P ] The car slowed down as they passed Customs. □ [V P n] There is no cure for the disease, although drugs can slow down its rate of development. □ [V n P ] Damage to the turbine slowed the work down.


2 PHRASAL VERB If someone slows down or if something slows them down , they become less active. □ [V P ] You will need to slow down for a while. □ [V n P ] He was still taking some medication which slowed him down. [Also V P n]


3 → see also slowdown


▸ slow up PHRASAL VERB Slow up means the same as slow down 1. □ [V P ] Sales are slowing up. □ [V P n] The introduction of a new code of criminal procedure has also slowed up the system. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS slow ADJ 3


protracted: The struggle would be bitter and protracted.


lengthy: …the lengthy process of filling out passport application forms.


long drawn out: …a long drawn out election campaign. COLLOCATIONS slow VERB 5


slow + noun : economy, growth, progress, recovery; decline, pace, rate, spread; process, traffic


noun + slow : economy, growth, inflation, recovery; decline, pace, rate; activity, metabolism, traffic


slow + adverb : dramatically, markedly, sharply, significantly

slow- /sloʊ -/ COMB slow- is used to form words which describe something that happens slowly. □ He was stuck in a line of slow-moving traffic. □ …a slow-burning fuse.

slow|down /sloʊ daʊn/ (slowdowns )


1 N‑COUNT A slowdown is a reduction in speed or activity. □ [+ in ] There has been a sharp slowdown in economic growth.


2 N‑COUNT A slowdown is a protest in which workers deliberately work slowly and cause problems for their employers. [AM , BUSINESS ] □ It's impossible to assess how many officers are participating in the slowdown. in BRIT, use go-slow

slo w lane (slow lanes )


1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] On a motorway or freeway, the slow lane is the lane for vehicles which are moving more slowly than the other vehicles.


2 N‑SING If you say that a person, country, or company is in the slow lane , you mean that they are not progressing as fast as other people, countries, or companies in a particular area of activity. □ Meanwhile, the economy plods along on two tracks - the express lane for big companies, the slow lane for smaller ones.

slo w mo |tion also slow-motion N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N ] When film or television pictures are shown in slow motion , they are shown much more slowly than normal. □ It seemed almost as if he were falling in slow motion.

slo w-wi tted ADJ Someone who is slow-witted is slow to understand things.

sludge /slʌ dʒ/ (sludges ) N‑VAR Sludge is thick mud, sewage, or industrial waste. □ All dumping of sludge was banned.

slug /slʌ g/ (slugs , slugging , slugged )


1 N‑COUNT A slug is a small slow-moving creature with a long soft body and no legs, like a snail without a shell.


2 N‑COUNT If you take a slug of an alcoholic drink, you take a large mouthful of it. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Edgar took a slug of his drink.


3 VERB If you slug someone, you hit them hard. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] She slugged her right in the face.


4 N‑COUNT A slug is a bullet. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]

slug|ger /slʌ gə r / (sluggers ) N‑COUNT In baseball, a slugger is a player who hits the ball very hard. [AM ]

slug|gish /slʌ g I ʃ/ ADJ You can describe something as sluggish if it moves, works, or reacts much slower than you would like or is normal. □ The economy remains sluggish. □ Circulation is much more sluggish in the feet than in the hands.

sluice /sluː s/ (sluices , sluicing , sluiced )


1 N‑COUNT A sluice is a passage that carries a current of water and has a barrier, called a sluice gate, which can be opened and closed to control the flow of water.


2 VERB If you sluice something or sluice it down or out, you wash it with a stream of water. □ [V n] He sluiced the bath and filled it.

slum /slʌ m/ (slums ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A slum is an area of a city where living conditions are very bad and where the houses are in bad condition. □ …inner-city slums in the old cities of the north and east.

slum|ber /slʌ mbə r / (slumbers , slumbering , slumbered ) N‑VAR Slumber is sleep. [LITERARY ] □ He had fallen into exhausted slumber. □ He roused Charles from his slumbers. ● VERB Slumber is also a verb. □ [V ] The older three girls are still slumbering peacefully.

slu m|ber par|ty (slumber parties ) N‑COUNT A slumber party is an occasion when a group of young friends spend the night together at the home of one of the group. [mainly AM ]

slump /slʌ mp/ (slumps , slumping , slumped )


1 VERB If something such as the value of something slumps , it falls suddenly and by a large amount. □ [V prep] Net profits slumped by 41%. □ [V prep] Government popularity in Scotland has slumped to its lowest level since the 1970s. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Slump is also a noun. □ [+ in ] …a slump in property prices.


2 N‑COUNT A slump is a time when many people in a country are unemployed and poor. □ [+ of ] …the slump of the early 1980s.


3 VERB If you slump somewhere, you fall or sit down there heavily, for example because you are very tired or you feel ill. □ [V prep/adv] She slumped into a chair. □ [V -ed] He saw the driver slumped over the wheel.

slung /slʌ ŋ/ Slung is the past tense and past participle of sling .

slunk /slʌ ŋk/ Slunk is the past tense and past participle of slink .

slur /slɜː r / (slurs , slurring , slurred )


1 N‑COUNT A slur is an insulting remark which could damage someone's reputation. □ [+ on ] This is yet another slur on the integrity of the Metropolitan Police.


2 VERB If someone slurs their speech or if their speech slurs , they do not pronounce each word clearly, because they are drunk, ill, or sleepy. □ [V n] He repeated himself and slurred his words more than usual. □ [V ] The newscaster's speech began to slur.

slurp /slɜː r p/ (slurps , slurping , slurped )


1 VERB If you slurp a liquid, you drink it noisily. □ [V n + from/off ] He blew on his soup before slurping it off the spoon. □ [V adv n] He slurped down a cup of sweet, black coffee. [Also V n, V ]


2 N‑COUNT A slurp is a noise that you make with your mouth when you drink noisily, or a mouthful of liquid that you drink noisily. □ He takes a slurp from a cup of black coffee.

slur|ry /slʌ ri, [AM ] slɜː ri/ (slurries ) N‑VAR Slurry is a watery mixture of something such as mud, animal waste, or dust. □ …farm slurry and industrial waste.

slush /slʌ ʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Slush is snow that has begun to melt and is therefore very wet and dirty. □ Becker's eyes were as cold and grey as the slush on the pavements outside.

slu sh fund (slush funds ) N‑COUNT A slush fund is a sum of money collected to pay for an illegal activity, especially in politics or business. □ He's accused of misusing $17.5 million from a secret government slush fund.

slushy /slʌ ʃi/ (slushier , slushiest )


1 ADJ Slushy ground is covered in dirty, wet snow. □ Here and there a drift across the road was wet and slushy.


2 ADJ If you describe a story or idea as slushy , you mean you dislike it because it is extremely romantic and sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ]

slut /slʌ t/ (sluts ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a woman as a slut when they consider her to be very immoral in her sexual behaviour. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

sly /sla I /


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sly look, expression, or remark shows that you know something that other people do not know or that was meant to be a secret. □ His lips were spread in a sly smile. ● sly|ly ADV □ Anna grinned slyly.


2 ADJ If you describe someone as sly , you disapprove of them because they keep their feelings or intentions hidden and are clever at deceiving people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She is devious and sly and manipulative.

smack /smæ k/ (smacks , smacking , smacked )


1 VERB If you smack someone, you hit them with your hand. □ [V n] She smacked me on the side of the head. ● N‑COUNT Smack is also a noun. □ Sometimes he just doesn't listen and I end up shouting at him or giving him a smack.


2 VERB If you smack something somewhere, you put it or throw it there so that it makes a loud, sharp noise. □ [V n adv/prep] He smacked his hands down on his knees. □ [V n adv/prep] The midfielder smacked the ball against a post.


3 VERB If one thing smacks of another thing that you consider bad, it reminds you of it or is like it. □ [V + of ] The engineers' union was unhappy with the motion, saying it smacked of racism.


4 ADV Something that is smack in a particular place is exactly in that place. [INFORMAL ] □ In part that's because industry is smack in the middle of the city.


5 N‑UNCOUNT Smack is heroin. [INFORMAL ]


6 PHRASE If you smack your lips , you open and close your mouth noisily, especially before or after eating, to show that you are eager to eat or enjoyed eating. □ 'I really want some dessert,' Keaton says, smacking his lips.

small ◆◆◆ /smɔː l/ (smaller , smallest )


1 ADJ A small person, thing, or amount of something is not large in physical size. □ [+ for ] She is small for her age. □ The window was far too small for him to get through. □ Stick them on using a small amount of glue. ● small|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Amy had not mentioned the smallness and bareness of Luis's home.


2 ADJ A small group or quantity consists of only a few people or things. □ A small group of students meets regularly to learn Japanese. □ Guns continued to be produced in small numbers.


3 ADJ A small child is a very young child. □ I have a wife and two small children. □ What were you like when you were small?


4 ADJ You use small to describe something that is not significant or great in degree. □ It's quite easy to make quite small changes to the way that you work. □ No detail was too small to escape her attention.


5 ADJ Small businesses or companies employ a small number of people and do business with a small number of clients. □ …shops, restaurants and other small businesses.


6 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone makes you look or feel small , they make you look or feel stupid or ashamed. □ This may just be another of her schemes to make me look small.


7 N‑SING The small of your back is the bottom part of your back that curves in slightly. □ [+ of ] Place your hands on the small of your back and breathe in.


8 → see also smalls


9 the small hours → see hour


10 small wonder → see wonder

sma ll ad (small ads ) N‑COUNT The small ads in a newspaper are short advertisements in which you can advertise something such as an object for sale or a room to let. □ Prospective buyers should study the small ads in the daily newspaper.

sma ll arms N‑PLURAL Small arms are guns that are light and easy to carry. □ The two sides exchanged small arms fire for about three hours.

sma ll bee r N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something is small beer , you mean that it is unimportant in comparison with something else. [BRIT ] □ Such roles are small beer compared with the fame she once enjoyed.

sma ll cha nge N‑UNCOUNT Small change is coins of low value. □ She was counting out 30p, mostly in small change, into my hand.

sma ll fry N‑UNCOUNT Small fry is used to refer to someone or something that is considered to be unimportant. □ What they owe to the tax people is small fry compared to the overall £1.2 million debt.

small|holder /smɔː lhoʊldə r / (smallholders ) N‑COUNT A smallholder is someone who has a smallholding. [BRIT ]

small|holding /smɔː lhoʊld I ŋ/ (smallholdings ) N‑COUNT A smallholding is a piece of land that is used for farming and is smaller than a normal farm. [BRIT ] □ A smallholding in the hills could not support a large family.

sma ll hou rs N‑PLURAL If something happens in the small hours , it happens soon after midnight, in the very early morning. □ [+ of ] They were arrested in the small hours of Saturday morning.

small|ish /smɔː l I ʃ/ ADJ Something that is smallish is fairly small. □ Some smallish firms may close.

sma ll-mi nded ADJ If you say that someone is small-minded , you are critical of them because they have fixed opinions and are unwilling to change them or to think about more general subjects. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …their small-minded preoccupation with making money.

small|pox /smɔː lpɒks/ N‑UNCOUNT Smallpox is a serious infectious disease that causes spots which leave deep marks on the skin.

sma ll pri nt N‑UNCOUNT The small print of a contract or agreement is the part of it that is written in very small print. You refer to it as the small print especially when you think that it might include unfavourable conditions which someone might not notice or understand. □ Read the small print in your contract to find out exactly what you are insured for.

smalls /smɔː lz/ N‑PLURAL Your smalls are your underwear. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

sma ll-sca le ADJ [usu ADJ n] A small-scale activity or organization is small in size and limited in extent. □ …the small-scale production of farmhouse cheeses in Devon.

sma ll scree n N‑SING When people talk about the small screen , they are referring to television, in contrast to films that are made for the cinema. □ Now he is also to become a star of the small screen.

sma ll talk N‑UNCOUNT Small talk is polite conversation about unimportant things that people make at social occasions. □ Smiling for the cameras, the two men strained to make small talk.

sma ll-time ADJ If you refer to workers or businesses as small-time , you think they are not very important because their work is limited in extent or not very successful. □ …a small time crook.

sma ll to wn in BRIT, also use smalltown ADJ [usu ADJ n] Small town is used when referring to small places, usually in the United States, where people are friendly, honest, and polite, or to the people there. Small town is also sometimes used to suggest that someone has old-fashioned ideas. [mainly AM ] □ …an idealized small-town America of neat, middle-class homes.

smarmy /smɑː r mi/ (smarmier , smarmiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as smarmy , you dislike them because they are unpleasantly polite and flattering, usually because they want you to like them or to do something for them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Rick is slightly smarmy and eager to impress.

smart ◆◇◇ /smɑː r t/ (smarter , smartest , smarts , smarting , smarted )


1 ADJ Smart people and things are pleasantly neat and clean in appearance. [mainly BRIT ] □ He was smart and well groomed but not good looking. □ I was dressed in a smart navy blue suit. □ …smart new offices. ● smart|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He dressed very smartly which was important in those days. □ …a smartly-painted door. ● smart|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ The jumper strikes the perfect balance between comfort and smartness.


2 ADJ You can describe someone who is clever as smart . □ He thinks he's smarter than Sarah is. □ Buying expensive furniture is not necessarily the smartest move to make.


3 → see also smartly , street smart


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A smart place or event is connected with wealthy and fashionable people. □ …smart London dinner parties. □ …a smart residential district.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] Smart bombs and weapons are guided by computers and lasers so that they hit their targets accurately.


6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A smart device is able to do many of the things that a computer does, for example to connect to the internet and use software. □ Wirelessly linked to an internet-connected smart TV, the phone becomes a remote control.


7 VERB If a part of your body or a wound smarts , you feel a sharp stinging pain in it. □ [V ] My eyes smarted from the smoke.


8 VERB [usu cont] If you are smarting from something such as criticism or failure, you feel upset about it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V + from ] Wilder is still smarting from a 3-0 defeat the last time the teams met.


9 the smart money → see money

sma rt a lec (smart alecs ) also smart aleck N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a smart alec , you dislike the fact that they think they are very clever and always have an answer for everything. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a fortyish smart-alec TV reporter.

sma rt a rse (smart arses ) The spellings smartarse in British English and smartass or smart-ass in American English are also used. N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you describe someone as a smart arse , you dislike the fact that they think they are very clever and like to show everyone this. [INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …smartass comments.

sma rt card (smart cards ) N‑COUNT A smart card is a plastic card which looks like a credit card and can store and process computer data.

sma rt dru g (smart drugs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Smart drugs are drugs which some people think can improve your memory and intelligence.

smart|en /smɑː r t ə n/ (smartens , smartening , smartened )


▸ smarten up PHRASAL VERB If you smarten yourself or a place up , you make yourself or the place look neater and tidier. □ [V P n] Russell, Bloomsbury and Bedford Squares have been very much smartened up. □ [V n P ] She had wisely smartened herself up. □ [V P ] …a medical student who refused to smarten up.

smart|ly /smɑː r tli/


1 ADV [ADV with v] If someone moves or does something smartly , they do it quickly and neatly. [WRITTEN ] □ The housekeeper moved smartly to the desk to answer the call.


2 → see also smart

sma rt phone (smart phones ) also smartphone N‑COUNT A smart phone is a type of mobile phone that can perform many of the operations that a computer does, such as accessing the internet.

smash ◆◇◇ /smæ ʃ/ (smashes , smashing , smashed )


1 VERB If you smash something or if it smashes , it breaks into many pieces, for example when it is hit or dropped. □ [V n] Someone smashed a bottle. □ [V + into ] Two or three glasses fell off and smashed into pieces.


2 VERB If you smash through a wall, gate, or door, you get through it by hitting and breaking it. □ [V + through ] The demonstrators used trucks to smash through the embassy gates. □ [V n + into ] Soldiers smashed their way into his office.


3 VERB If something smashes or is smashed against something solid, it moves very fast and with great force against it. □ [V prep/adv] The bottle smashed against a wall. □ [V n prep] He smashed his fist into Anthony's face.


4 VERB To smash a political group or system means to deliberately destroy it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] Their attempts to clean up politics and smash the power of party machines failed.


5 VERB If you smash something, you do it extremely well or successfully. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] We're really going to smash this task. □ [V it ] I didn't know she could sing like that. She smashed it.


6 → see also smashed , smashing


▸ smash down PHRASAL VERB If you smash down a door, building, or other large heavy object, you hit it hard and break it until it falls on the ground. □ [V P n] The crowd tried to smash down the door of the police station. [Also V n P ]


▸ smash up


1 PHRASAL VERB If you smash something up , you completely destroy it by hitting it and breaking it into many pieces. □ [V P n] She took revenge on her ex-boyfriend by smashing up his home. □ [V n P ] You could smash the drawer up with a hammer.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you smash up your car, you damage it by crashing it into something. □ [V P n] All you told me was that he'd smashed up yet another car. [Also V n P ]

sma sh-and-gra b (smash-and-grabs ) also smash and grab N‑COUNT [oft N n] A smash-and-grab is a robbery in which a person breaks a shop window, takes the things that are on display there, and runs away with them. □ …a smash-and-grab raid.

smashed /smæ ʃt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is smashed is extremely drunk. [INFORMAL ]

sma sh hi t (smash hits ) N‑COUNT A smash hit or a smash is a very popular show, play, or song. □ The show was a smash hit.

smash|ing /smæ ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe something or someone as smashing , you mean that you like them very much. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ She's a smashing girl.

smat|ter|ing /smæ tər I ŋ/ N‑SING [usu a N of n] A smattering of something is a very small amount of it. □ [+ of ] I had acquired a smattering of Greek.

smear /sm I ə r / (smears , smearing , smeared )


1 VERB If you smear a surface with an oily or sticky substance or smear the substance onto the surface, you spread a layer of the substance over the surface. □ [V n + with ] My sister smeared herself with suntan oil and slept by the swimming pool. □ [V n prep] Smear a little olive oil over the inside of the salad bowl.


2 N‑COUNT A smear is a dirty or oily mark. □ [+ of ] There was a smear of gravy on his chin.


3 VERB To smear someone means to spread unpleasant and untrue rumours or accusations about them in order to damage their reputation. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] …an attempt to smear the Director-General of the BBC.


4 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A smear is an unpleasant and untrue rumour or accusation that is intended to damage someone's reputation. [JOURNALISM ] □ He puts all the accusations down to a smear campaign by his political opponents.


5 N‑COUNT A smear or a smear test is a medical test in which a few cells are taken from a woman's cervix and examined to see if any cancer cells are present. [BRIT ] in AM, use pap smear , pap test

smeared /sm I ə r d/ ADJ If something is smeared , it has dirty or oily marks on it. □ [+ with ] The other child's face was smeared with dirt.

smell ◆◇◇ /sme l/ (smells , smelling , smelled , smelt ) American English usually uses the form smelled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either smelled or smelt . 1 N‑COUNT The smell of something is a quality it has which you become aware of when you breathe in through your nose. □ [+ of ] …the smell of freshly baked bread. □ …horrible smells.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Your sense of smell is the ability that your nose has to detect things. □ …people who lose their sense of smell.


3 V‑LINK If something smells in a particular way, it has a quality which you become aware of through your nose. □ [V + of ] The room smelled of lemons. □ [V adj] It smells delicious. □ [V + like ] …a crumbly black substance that smells like fresh soil. [Also V as if]


4 VERB If you say that something smells , you mean that it smells unpleasant. □ [V ] Ma threw that out. She said it smelled. □ [V ] Do my feet smell?


5 VERB If you smell something, you become aware of it when you breathe in through your nose. □ [V n] As soon as we opened the front door we could smell the gas.


6 VERB If you smell something, you put your nose near it and breathe in, so that you can discover its smell. □ [V n] I took a fresh rose out of the vase on our table, and smelled it.


7 to smell a rat → see rat

-smelling /-smel I ŋ/ COMB -smelling combines with adjectives to form adjectives which indicate how something smells. □ …sweet-smelling dried flowers. □ The city is covered by a foul-smelling cloud of smoke.

sme ll|ing salts N‑PLURAL A bottle of smelling salts contains a chemical with a strong smell which is used to help someone recover after they have fainted.

smelly /sme li/ (smellier , smelliest ) ADJ Something that is smelly has an unpleasant smell. □ He had extremely smelly feet.

smelt /sme lt/ (smelts , smelting , smelted )


1 Smelt is a past tense and past participle of smell . [mainly BRIT ]


2 VERB To smelt a substance containing metal means to process it by heating it until it melts, so that the metal is extracted and changed chemically. □ [V n] Darby improved iron by smelting it with coke instead of charcoal.

smel|ter /sme ltə r / (smelters ) N‑COUNT A smelter is a container for smelting metal.

smid|gen /sm I dʒ I n/ (smidgens ) also smidgeon , smidgin N‑COUNT A smidgen is a small amount of something. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a smidgen of tobacco. □ [+ of ] …a smidgeon of luck.

smile ◆◆◇ /sma I l/ (smiles , smiling , smiled )


1 VERB When you smile , the corners of your mouth curve up and you sometimes show your teeth. People smile when they are pleased or amused, or when they are being friendly. □ [V ] When he saw me, he smiled and waved. □ [V + at ] He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled ruefully at me. □ [V -ing] His smiling face appears on T-shirts, billboards, and posters.


2 N‑COUNT A smile is the expression that you have on your face when you smile. □ She gave a wry smile. □ 'There are some sandwiches if you're hungry,' she said with a smile.


3 VERB If you say that something such as fortune smiles on someone, you mean that they are lucky or successful. [LITERARY ] □ [V + on/upon ] When fortune smiled on him, he made the most of it.


4 PHRASE If you say that someone is all smiles , you mean that they look very happy, often when they have previously been worried or upset about something. SYNONYMS smile VERB 1


grin: He grins, delighted at the memory.


beam: Frances beamed at her friend with undisguised admiration.


smirk: Two men looked at me, nudged each other and smirked.

smi|ley /sma I li/ (smileys )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A smiley person smiles a lot or is smiling. [INFORMAL ] □ Two smiley babies are waiting for their lunch.


2 N‑COUNT A smiley is a symbol used in an email or a text to show how someone is feeling. :-) is a smiley showing happiness. [COMPUTING ]

smil|ing|ly /sma I l I ŋli/ ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something smilingly , they smile as they do it. [WRITTEN ] □ He opened the gate and smilingly welcomed the travellers home.

smirk /smɜː r k/ (smirks , smirking , smirked ) VERB If you smirk , you smile in an unpleasant way, often because you believe that you have gained an advantage over someone else or know something that they do not know. □ [V ] Two men looked at me, nudged each other and smirked.

smite /sma I t/ (smites , smiting , smote , smitten )


1 VERB To smite something means to hit it hard. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] …the heroic leader charging into battle, sword held high, ready to smite the enemy.


2 → see also smitten

smith|er|eens /sm I ðəriː nz/ N‑PLURAL [usu to N ] If something is smashed or blown to smithereens , it breaks into very small pieces. □ She dropped the vase and smashed it to smithereens.

smithy /sm I ði/ (smithies ) N‑COUNT A smithy is a place where a blacksmith works.

smit|ten /sm I t ə n/


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are smitten , you find someone so attractive that you are or seem to be in love with them. □ [+ with/by ] They were totally smitten with each other.


2 Smitten is the past participle of smite .

smock /smɒ k/ (smocks )


1 N‑COUNT A smock is a loose garment, rather like a long blouse, usually worn by women. □ She was wearing wool slacks and a paisley smock.


2 N‑COUNT A smock is a loose garment worn by people such as artists to protect their clothing.

smocked /smɒ kt/ ADJ A smocked dress or top is decorated with smocking. □ She was pretty and young, in a loose smocked sundress.

smock|ing /smɒ k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Smocking is a decoration on tops and dresses which is made by gathering the material into folds using small stitches.

smog /smɒ g/ (smogs ) N‑VAR Smog is a mixture of fog and smoke which occurs in some busy industrial cities. □ Cars cause pollution, both smog and acid rain.

smog|gy /smɒ gi/ (smoggier , smoggiest ) ADJ A smoggy city or town is badly affected by smog. □ …the smoggy sprawl of Los Angeles.

smoke ◆◆◇ /smoʊ k/ (smokes , smoking , smoked )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Smoke consists of gas and small bits of solid material that are sent into the air when something burns. □ A cloud of black smoke blew over the city. □ The air was thick with smoke.


2 VERB If something is smoking , smoke is coming from it. □ [V ] The chimney was smoking fiercely. □ [V -ing] …a pile of smoking rubble.


3 VERB When someone smokes a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, they suck the smoke from it into their mouth and blow it out again. If you smoke , you regularly smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe. □ [V n] He was sitting alone, smoking a big cigar. □ [V ] Do you smoke? ● N‑SING Smoke is also a noun. □ Someone came out for a smoke. ● smok|er (smokers ) N‑COUNT □ He was not a heavy smoker.


4 VERB [usu passive] If fish or meat is smoked , it is hung over burning wood so that the smoke preserves it and gives it a special flavour. □ [be V -ed] …the grid where the fish were being smoked. □ [V -ed] …smoked bacon.


5 → see also smoked , smoking


6 PHRASE If someone says there's no smoke without fire or where there's smoke there's fire , they mean that there are rumours or signs that something is true so it must be at least partly true.


7 PHRASE If something goes up in smoke , it is destroyed by fire. □ More than 900 years of British history went up in smoke in the Great Fire of Windsor.


8 PHRASE If something that is very important to you goes up in smoke , it fails or ends without anything being achieved. □ Their dreams went up in smoke after the collapse of their travel agency.


▸ smoke out PHRASAL VERB If you smoke out someone who is hiding, you discover them and make them publicly known. □ [V n P ] The committee have tried dozens of different ways to smoke him out. □ [V P n] …technology to smoke out tax evaders.

smo ke alarm (smoke alarms ) also smoke detector N‑COUNT A smoke alarm or a smoke detector is a device fixed to the ceiling of a room which makes a loud noise if there is smoke in the air, to warn people.

smo ke bomb (smoke bombs ) N‑COUNT A smoke bomb is a bomb that produces clouds of smoke when it explodes.

smoked /smoʊ kt/


1 ADJ Smoked glass has been made darker by being treated with smoke. □ …a white van with smoked-glass windows.


2 → see also smoke

smo ked sa lm|on N‑UNCOUNT Smoked salmon is the flesh of a salmon which is smoked and eaten raw.

smo ke-filled roo m (smoke-filled rooms ) N‑COUNT If you talk about a decision being made in a smoke-filled room , you mean that it is made by a small group of people in a private meeting, rather than in a more democratic or open way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …long discussions in smoke-filled rooms.

smoke|less /smoʊ kləs/ ADJ Smokeless fuel burns without producing smoke.

smoke|screen /smoʊ kskriːn/ (smokescreens ) also smoke screen N‑COUNT If something that you do or say is a smokescreen , it is intended to hide the truth about your activities or intentions. □ He was accused of putting up a smokescreen to hide poor standards in schools.

smo ke sig|nal (smoke signals ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If someone such as a politician or businessman sends out smoke signals , they give an indication of their views and intentions. This indication is often not clear and needs to be worked out. □ [+ from ] The smoke signals from the central bank suggest further cuts are coming.

smoke|stack /smoʊ kstæk/ (smokestacks ) N‑COUNT A smokestack is a very tall chimney that carries smoke away from a factory.

smo ke|stack in|dus|try (smokestack industries ) N‑COUNT A smokestack industry is a traditional industry such as heavy engineering or manufacturing, rather than a modern industry such as electronics. □ There has been a shift from smokestack industries into high-tech ones.

smok|ing ◆◇◇ /smoʊ k I ŋ/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Smoking is the act or habit of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe. □ Smoking is now banned in many places of work. □ …a no-smoking area.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] A smoking area is intended for people who want to smoke. □ …the decision to scrap smoking compartments on trains.


3 → see also smoke , passive smoking

smo k|ing gu n (smoking guns ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A smoking gun is a piece of evidence that proves that something is true or that someone is responsible for a crime. [mainly AM , JOURNALISM ] □ The search for other kinds of evidence tying him to trafficking has not produced a smoking gun.

smoky /smoʊ ki/ (smokier , smokiest ) also smokey


1 ADJ A place that is smoky has a lot of smoke in the air. □ His main problem was the extremely smoky atmosphere at work.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use smoky to describe something that looks like smoke, for example because it is slightly blue or grey or because it is not clear. □ At the center of the dial is a piece of smoky glass.


3 ADJ Something that has a smoky flavour tastes as if it has been smoked. □ Cooking with the lid on gives the food that distinctive smoky flavour.

smol|der /smoʊ ldə r / → see smoulder

smooch /smuː tʃ/ (smooches , smooching , smooched ) VERB If two people smooch , they kiss and hold each other closely. People sometimes smooch while they are dancing. □ [V + with ] I smooched with him on the dance floor. □ [V ] The customers smooch and chat.

smooth ◆◇◇ /smuː ð/ (smoother , smoothest , smooths , smoothing , smoothed )


1 ADJ A smooth surface has no roughness, lumps, or holes. □ …a rich cream that keeps skin soft and smooth. □ …a smooth surface such as glass. □ The flagstones beneath their feet were worn smooth by centuries of use.


2 ADJ A smooth liquid or mixture has been mixed well so that it has no lumps. □ Continue whisking until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.


3 ADJ If you describe a drink such as wine, whisky, or coffee as smooth , you mean that it is not bitter and is pleasant to drink. □ This makes the coffee much smoother.


4 ADJ A smooth line or movement has no sudden breaks or changes in direction or speed. □ This exercise is done in one smooth motion. ● smooth|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Make sure that you execute all movements smoothly and without jerking.


5 ADJ A smooth ride, flight, or sea crossing is very comfortable because there are no unpleasant movements. □ The active suspension system gives the car a very smooth ride.


6 ADJ You use smooth to describe something that is going well and is free of problems or trouble. □ Political hopes for a swift and smooth transition to democracy have been dashed. ● smooth|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ So far, talks at GM have gone smoothly.


7 ADJ If you describe a man as smooth , you mean that he is extremely smart, confident, and polite, often in a way that you find rather unpleasant. □ Twelve extremely good-looking, smooth young men have been picked as finalists.


8 VERB If you smooth something, you move your hands over its surface to make it smooth and flat. □ [V n with adv] She stood up and smoothed down her frock. □ [V n] Bardo smoothed his moustache.


▸ smooth out PHRASAL VERB If you smooth out a problem or difficulty, you solve it, especially by talking to the people concerned. □ [V P n] Baker was smoothing out differences with European allies. □ [V n P ] It's O.K. I smoothed things out.


▸ smooth over PHRASAL VERB If you smooth over a problem or difficulty, you make it less serious and easier to deal with, especially by talking to the people concerned. □ [V P n] …an attempt to smooth over the violent splits that have occurred. □ [V n P ] The Chancellor is trying to smooth things over.

smoothie /smuː ði/ (smoothies )


1 N‑VAR A smoothie is a thick drink made from crushed fruit, sometimes with yogurt or ice cream added.


2 N‑COUNT If you describe a man as a smoothie , you mean that he is extremely smart, confident, and polite, often in a way that you find rather unpleasant. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

smoo th-ta lking ADJ A smooth-talking man talks very confidently in a way that is likely to persuade people, but may not be sincere or honest. □ …the smooth-talking conman who has wrecked their lives.

smor|gas|bord /smɔː r gəsbɔː r d/


1 N‑SING Smorgasbord is a meal with a variety of hot and cold savoury dishes, from which people serve themselves.


2 N‑SING A smorgasbord of things is a number of different things that are combined together as a whole. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ of ] …a smorgasbord of paintings and sculpture.

smote /smoʊ t/ Smote is the past tense of smite .

smoth|er /smʌ ðə r / (smothers , smothering , smothered )


1 VERB If you smother a fire, you cover it with something in order to put it out. □ [V n] The girl's parents were also burned as they tried to smother the flames.


2 VERB To smother someone means to kill them by covering their face with something so that they cannot breathe. □ [V n] A father was secretly filmed as he tried to smother his six-week-old son in hospital.


3 VERB Things that smother something cover it completely. □ [V n] Once the shrubs begin to smother the little plants, we have to move them.


4 VERB If you smother someone, you show your love for them too much and protect them too much. □ [V n] She loved her own children, almost smothering them with love.


5 VERB If you smother an emotion or a reaction, you control it so that people do not notice it. □ [V n] She summoned up all her pity for him, to smother her self-pity. □ [V -ed] …smothered giggles.


6 VERB If an activity or process is smothered , it is prevented from continuing or developing. □ [be V -ed] Intellectual life in France was smothered by the Occupation. □ [V n] The wrong structure aborts results and smothers even the best-directed efforts.

smoul|der /smoʊ ldə r / (smoulders , smouldering , smouldered ) in AM, use smolder 1 VERB If something smoulders , it burns slowly, producing smoke but not flames. □ [V ] A number of buildings around the Parliament were still smouldering today.


2 VERB If a feeling such as anger or hatred smoulders inside you, you continue to feel it but do not show it. □ [V ] Baxter smouldered as he drove home for lunch.


3 VERB If you say that someone smoulders , you mean that they are sexually attractive, usually in a mysterious or very intense way. □ [V + with ] The actress seems to smoulder with sexuality.

SMS /e s em e s/ N‑UNCOUNT SMS is a way of sending short written messages from one mobile phone to another. SMS is an abbreviation for 'short message system'.

smudge /smʌ dʒ/ (smudges , smudging , smudged )


1 N‑COUNT A smudge is a dirty mark. □ There was a dark smudge on his forehead. □ …smudges of blood.


2 VERB If you smudge a substance such as ink, paint, or make-up that has been put on a surface, you make it less neat by touching or rubbing it. □ [V n] Smudge the outline using a cotton-wool bud. □ [V -ed] Her lipstick was smudged. [Also V ]


3 VERB If you smudge a surface, you make it dirty by touching it and leaving a substance on it. □ [V n] She kissed me, careful not to smudge me with her fresh lipstick.

smudgy /smʌ dʒi/ (smudgier , smudgiest ) ADJ If something is smudgy , its outline is unclear. □ The hand-writing is smudgy. □ …smudgy photos.

smug /smʌ g/ ADJ If you say that someone is smug , you are criticizing the fact they seem very pleased with how good, clever, or lucky they are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Thomas and his wife looked at each other in smug satisfaction.

smug|gle /smʌ g ə l/ (smuggles , smuggling , smuggled ) VERB If someone smuggles things or people into a place or out of it, they take them there illegally or secretly. □ [V n] …speculation that the Arctic Sea is being used for smuggling weapons. □ [V n prep] The gang was allegedly smuggling migrants from Calais to Britain. □ [V n with adv] Had it really been impossible to find someone who could smuggle out a letter? ● smug|gling N‑UNCOUNT □ An air hostess was arrested and charged with drug smuggling.

smug|gler /smʌ gələ r / (smugglers ) N‑COUNT Smugglers are people who take goods into or out of a country illegally. □ …drug smugglers. □ …people smugglers.

smut /smʌ t/ (smuts )


1 N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to words or pictures that are related to sex as smut , you disapprove of them because you think they are rude and unpleasant and have been said or published just to shock or excite people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …schoolboy smut.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Smut or smuts is dirt such as soot which makes a dirty mark on something.

smut|ty /smʌ ti/ (smuttier , smuttiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a joke, book, or film as smutty , you disapprove of it because it shows naked people or refers to sex in a rude or unpleasant way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …smutty jokes.

snack /snæ k/ (snacks , snacking , snacked )


1 N‑COUNT A snack is a simple meal that is quick to cook and to eat. □ Lunch was a snack in the fields.


2 N‑COUNT A snack is something such as a chocolate bar that you eat between meals. □ Do you eat sweets, cakes or sugary snacks?


3 VERB If you snack , you eat snacks between meals. □ [V + on ] Instead of snacking on crisps and chocolate, nibble on celery or carrot.

sna ck bar (snack bars ) N‑COUNT A snack bar is a place where you can buy drinks and simple meals such as sandwiches.

snaf|fle /snæ f ə l/ (snaffles , snaffling , snaffled )


1 N‑COUNT A snaffle is an object consisting of two short joined bars of metal that is put in a horse's mouth and attached to the straps that the rider uses to control the horse.


2 VERB If you snaffle something, you take it for yourself. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] Michael Stich then proceeded to snaffle the $2 million first prize.

snag /snæ g/ (snags , snagging , snagged )


1 N‑COUNT A snag is a small problem or disadvantage. □ A police clampdown on car thieves hit a snag when villains stole one of their cars.


2 VERB If you snag part of your clothing on a sharp or rough object or if it snags , it gets caught on the object and tears. □ [V n + on ] She snagged a heel on a root and tumbled to the ground. □ [V n] Brambles snagged his suit. □ [V + on ] Local fishermen's nets kept snagging on underwater objects.

snail /sne I l/ (snails )


1 N‑COUNT A snail is a small animal with a long, soft body, no legs, and a spiral-shaped shell. Snails move very slowly.


2 PHRASE If you say that someone does something at a snail's pace , you are emphasizing that they are doing it very slowly, usually when you think it would be better if they did it much more quickly. [EMPHASIS ] □ The train was moving now at a snail's pace.

snai l mail N‑UNCOUNT Some computer users refer to the postal system as snail mail , because it is very slow in comparison with email.

snake /sne I k/ (snakes , snaking , snaked )


1 N‑COUNT A snake is a long, thin reptile without legs.


2 VERB Something that snakes in a particular direction goes in that direction in a line with a lot of bends. [LITERARY ] □ [V prep/adv] The road snaked through forested mountains.

snake|bite /sne I kba I t/ (snakebites ) also snake bite N‑VAR A snakebite is the bite of a snake, especially a poisonous one.

sna ke charm|er (snake charmers ) also snake-charmers N‑COUNT A snake charmer is a person who entertains people by controlling the behaviour of a snake, for example by playing music and causing the snake to rise out of a basket and drop back in again.

sna kes and la d|ders N‑UNCOUNT Snakes and ladders is a British children's game played with a board and dice. When you go up a ladder, you progress quickly. When you go down a snake, you go backwards.

snake|skin /sne I ksk I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Snakeskin is the skin of snakes used to make shoes and clothes.

snap ◆◇◇ /snæ p/ (snaps , snapping , snapped )


1 VERB If something snaps or if you snap it, it breaks suddenly, usually with a sharp cracking noise. □ [V ] He shifted his weight and a twig snapped. □ [V adv/prep] The brake pedal had just snapped off. □ [V n adv/prep] She gripped the pipe with both hands, trying to snap it in half. [Also V n] ● N‑SING Snap is also a noun. □ Every minute or so I could hear a snap, a crack and a crash as another tree went down.


2 VERB If you snap something into a particular position, or if it snaps into that position, it moves quickly into that position, with a sharp sound. □ [V n adv/prep] He snapped the notebook shut. □ [V adv] The bag snapped open. ● N‑SING Snap is also a noun. □ He shut the book with a snap and stood up.


3 VERB If you snap your fingers , you make a sharp sound by moving your middle finger quickly across your thumb, for example in order to accompany music or to order someone to do something. □ [V n] She had millions of listeners snapping their fingers to her first single. ● N‑SING Snap is also a noun. □ [+ of ] I could obtain with the snap of my fingers anything I chose.


4 VERB If someone snaps at you, they speak to you in a sharp, unfriendly way. □ [V with quote] 'Of course I don't know her,' Roger snapped. □ [V + at ] I'm sorry, Casey, I didn't mean to snap at you like that.


5 VERB If someone snaps , or if something snaps inside them, they suddenly stop being calm and become very angry because the situation has become too tense or too difficult for them. □ [V ] He finally snapped when she prevented their children from visiting him one weekend.


6 VERB If an animal such as a dog snaps at you, it opens and shuts its jaws quickly near you, as if it were going to bite you. □ [V + at ] His teeth clicked as he snapped at my ankle. □ [V ] The poodle yapped and snapped.


7 ADJ [ADJ n] A snap decision or action is one that is taken suddenly, often without careful thought. □ I think this is too important for a snap decision.


8 N‑COUNT A snap is a photograph. [INFORMAL ] □ …a snap my mother took last year.


9 VERB If you snap someone or something, you take a photograph of them. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] He was the first ever non-British photographer to be invited to snap a royal.


10 → see also cold snap


▸ snap out of PHRASAL VERB If someone who is depressed snaps out of it or snaps out of their depression, they suddenly become more cheerful, especially by making an effort. □ [V P P n] Come on, snap out of it! □ [V P P n] Often a patient cannot snap out of their negativity that easily.


▸ snap up PHRASAL VERB If you snap something up , you buy it quickly because it is cheap or is just what you want. □ [V n P ] Every time we get a new delivery of clothes, people are queuing to snap them up. □ [V P n] One eagle-eyed collector snapped up a pair of designer earrings for just £6.

snap|dragon /snæ pdrægən/ (snapdragons ) N‑COUNT A snapdragon is a common garden plant with small colourful flowers that can open and shut like a mouth.

sna p fas|ten|er (snap fasteners ) N‑COUNT A snap fastener is a small metal object used to fasten clothes, made up of two parts which can be pressed together. [AM ] in BRIT, use press stud , popper

snap|per /snæ pə r / (snappers or snapper ) N‑COUNT A snapper is a fish that has sharp teeth and lives in warm seas. ● N‑UNCOUNT Snapper is this fish eaten as food.

snap|pish /snæ p I ʃ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is snappish , they speak to people in a sharp, unfriendly manner. □ 'That is beautiful, Tony,' Momma said, no longer sounding at all snappish. ● snap|pish|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She said snappishly, 'I'm not pregnant, Brian.'

snap|py /snæ pi/ (snappier , snappiest )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a snappy style of speaking, they speak in a quick, clever, brief, and often funny way. □ Each film gets a snappy two-line summary.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is a snappy dresser or if they wear snappy clothes, they wear smart, stylish clothes. □ She has already made a name for herself as a snappy dresser.

snap|shot /snæ pʃɒt/ (snapshots )


1 N‑COUNT A snapshot is a photograph that is taken quickly and casually.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something provides you with a snapshot of a place or situation, it gives you a brief idea of what that place or situation is like. □ [+ of ] The interviews present a remarkable snapshot of our country in these dark days of recession.

snare /sneə r / (snares , snaring , snared )


1 N‑COUNT A snare is a trap for catching birds or small animals. It consists of a loop of wire or rope which pulls tight around the animal.


2 N‑COUNT If you describe a situation as a snare , you mean that it is a trap from which it is difficult to escape. [FORMAL ] □ Given data which are free from bias there are further snares to avoid in statistical work.


3 VERB If someone snares an animal, they catch it using a snare. □ [V n] He'd snared a rabbit earlier in the day.

sna re drum (snare drums ) N‑COUNT A snare drum is a small drum used in orchestras and bands. Snare drums are usually played with wooden sticks, and make a continuous sound.

snarl /snɑː r l/ (snarls , snarling , snarled )


1 VERB When an animal snarls , it makes a fierce, rough sound in its throat while showing its teeth. □ [V ] He raced ahead up into the bush, barking and snarling. □ [V + at ] The dogs snarled at the intruders. ● N‑COUNT Snarl is also a noun. □ With a snarl, the second dog made a dive for his heel.


2 VERB If you snarl something, you say it in a fierce, angry way. □ [V with quote] 'Let go of me,' he snarled. □ [V + at ] I vaguely remember snarling at someone who stepped on my foot. □ [V n] 'Aubrey.' Hyde seemed almost to snarl the name. ● N‑COUNT Snarl is also a noun. □ His eyes flashed, and his lips were drawn back in a furious snarl.


3 N‑COUNT A snarl is a disorganized mass of things. □ [+ of ] She was tangled in a snarl of logs and branches.

sna rl-up (snarl-ups ) N‑COUNT A snarl-up is a disorganized situation such as a traffic jam, in which things are unable to move or work normally. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

snatch /snæ tʃ/ (snatches , snatching , snatched )


1 VERB If you snatch something or snatch at something, you take it or pull it away quickly. □ [V n prep] Mick snatched the cards from Archie's hand. □ [V n with adv] He snatched up the phone. □ [V + at ] The thin wind snatched at her skirt.


2 VERB [usu passive] If something is snatched from you, it is stolen, usually using force. If a person is snatched , they are taken away by force. □ [be V -ed] If your bag is snatched, let it go.


3 VERB If you snatch an opportunity, you take it quickly. If you snatch something to eat or a rest, you have it quickly in between doing other things. □ [V n] I snatched a glance at the mirror. □ [V n] You can even snatch a few hours off.


4 VERB If you snatch victory in a competition, you defeat your opponent by a small amount or just before the end of the contest. □ [V n] The American came from behind to snatch victory by a mere eight seconds.


5 N‑COUNT A snatch of a conversation or a song is a very small piece of it. □ [+ of ] I heard snatches of the conversation.

snaz|zy /snæ zi/ (snazzier , snazziest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is snazzy is stylish and attractive, often in a rather bright or noticeable way. [INFORMAL ] □ …a snazzy new Porsche.

sneak /sniː k/ (sneaks , sneaking , sneaked ) The form snuck is also used in American English for the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you sneak somewhere, you go there very quietly on foot, trying to avoid being seen or heard. □ [V adv/prep] Sometimes he would sneak out of his house late at night to be with me.


2 VERB If you sneak something somewhere, you take it there secretly. □ [V n prep/adv] He smuggled papers out each day, photocopied them, and snuck them back. □ [V n n] He reckons he can sneak you some free nachos.


3 VERB If you sneak a look at someone or something, you secretly have a quick look at them. □ [V n prep] You sneak a look at your watch to see how long you've got to wait.


4 → see also sneaking


▸ sneak up on


1 PHRASAL VERB If someone sneaks up on you, they try and approach you without being seen or heard, perhaps to surprise you or do you harm. □ [V P P n] I managed to sneak up on him when you knocked on the door.


2 PHRASAL VERB If something sneaks up on you, it happens or occurs when you are not expecting it. □ [V P P n] Sometimes our expectations sneak up on us unawares.

sneak|er /sniː kə r / (sneakers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sneakers are casual shoes with rubber soles. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use trainers

sneak|ing /sniː k I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A sneaking feeling is a slight or vague feeling, especially one that you are unwilling to accept. □ I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to succeed.

snea k pre |view (sneak previews ) N‑COUNT A sneak preview of something is an unofficial opportunity to have a look at it before it is officially published or shown to the public.

sneaky /sniː ki/ (sneakier , sneakiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as sneaky , you disapprove of them because they do things secretly rather than openly. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ It is a sneaky and underhand way of doing business.

sneer /sn I ə r / (sneers , sneering , sneered ) VERB If you sneer at someone or something, you express your contempt for them by the expression on your face or by what you say. □ [V + at ] There is too great a readiness to sneer at anything the Opposition does. □ [V with quote] 'Hypocrite,' he sneered. [Also V that] ● N‑COUNT Sneer is also a noun. □ Canete's mouth twisted in a contemptuous sneer.

sneer|ing|ly /sn I ə r I ŋli/ ADV To refer sneeringly to someone or something means to refer to them in a way that shows your contempt for them. [WRITTEN ] □ They were sneeringly dismissive.

sneeze /sniː z/ (sneezes , sneezing , sneezed )


1 VERB When you sneeze , you suddenly take in your breath and then blow it down your nose noisily without being able to stop yourself, for example because you have a cold. □ [V ] What exactly happens when we sneeze? ● N‑COUNT Sneeze is also a noun. □ Coughs and sneezes spread infections.


2 PHRASE If you say that something is not to be sneezed at , you mean that it is worth having. [INFORMAL ] □ The money's not to be sneezed at.

snick|er /sn I kə r / (snickers , snickering , snickered ) VERB If you snicker , you laugh quietly in a disrespectful way, for example at something rude or embarrassing. □ [V + at ] We all snickered at Mrs. Swenson. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Snicker is also a noun. □ …a chorus of jeers and snickers.

snide /sna I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A snide comment or remark is one which criticizes someone in an unkind and often indirect way. □ He made a snide comment about her weight.

sniff /sn I f/ (sniffs , sniffing , sniffed )


1 VERB When you sniff , you breathe in air through your nose hard enough to make a sound, for example when you are trying not to cry, or in order to show disapproval. □ [V ] She wiped her face and sniffed loudly. □ [V ] Then he sniffed. There was a smell of burning. □ [V n with adv] He sniffed back the tears. ● N‑COUNT Sniff is also a noun. □ At last the sobs ceased, to be replaced by sniffs.


2 VERB If you sniff something or sniff at it, you smell it by sniffing. □ [V n] Suddenly, he stopped and sniffed the air. □ [V + at ] She sniffed at it suspiciously.


3 VERB You can use sniff to indicate that someone says something in a way that shows their disapproval or contempt. □ [V with quote] 'Tourists!' she sniffed.


4 VERB [usu passive] If you say that something is not to be sniffed at , you think it is very good or worth having. If someone sniffs at something, they do not think it is good enough, or they express their contempt for it. □ [be V -ed + at ] The salary was not to be sniffed at either. □ [V + at ] Foreign Office sources sniffed at reports that British troops might be sent.


5 VERB If someone sniffs a substance such as glue, they deliberately breathe in the substance or the gases from it as a drug. □ [V n] He felt light-headed, as if he'd sniffed glue. ● sniff|er (sniffers ) N‑COUNT □ …teenage glue sniffers.


6 N‑SING If you get a sniff of something, you learn or guess that it might be happening or might be near. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] You know what they'll be like if they get a sniff of a murder investigation. □ Have the Press got a sniff yet? □ [+ of ] Then, at the first sniff of danger, he was back at his post.


▸ sniff around in BRIT, also use sniff about , sniff round 1 PHRASAL VERB If a person is sniffing around , they are trying to find out information about something, especially information that someone else does not want known. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] But really, what harm could it possibly do to pop down there and just sniff around? □ [V P n] A couple of plain-clothes men had been sniffing round his apartment.


2 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If a person or organization is sniffing around someone, they are trying to get them, for example as a lover, employee, or client. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] When I went away, I was convinced that other men would be sniffing round her.


▸ sniff out


1 PHRASAL VERB If you sniff out something, you discover it after some searching. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] …journalists who are trained to sniff out sensation or scandal. [Also V n P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB When a dog used by a group such as the police sniffs out hidden explosives or drugs, it finds them using its sense of smell. □ [V P n] A police dog, trained to sniff out explosives, found evidence of a bomb in the apartment. [Also V n P ]


▸ sniff round → see sniff around

sni ff|er dog (sniffer dogs ) N‑COUNT A sniffer dog is a dog used by the police or army to find explosives or drugs by their smell.

snif|fle /sn I f ə l/ (sniffles , sniffling , sniffled )


1 VERB If you sniffle , you keep sniffing, usually because you are crying or have a cold. □ [V ] 'Please don't yell at me.' She began to sniffle.


2 N‑COUNT A sniffle is a slight cold. You can also say that someone has the sniffles . [INFORMAL ]

snif|fy /sn I fi/ (sniffier , sniffiest ) ADJ Someone who is sniffy about something does not think it is of high quality, perhaps unfairly. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ about ] Some people are a bit sniffy about television.

snif|ter /sn I ftə r / (snifters )


1 N‑COUNT A snifter is a small amount of an alcoholic drink. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]


2 N‑COUNT A snifter is a bowl-shaped glass used for drinking brandy. [AM ]

snig|ger /sn I gə r / (sniggers , sniggering , sniggered ) VERB If someone sniggers , they laugh quietly in a disrespectful way, for example at something rude or unkind. □ [V ] Suddenly, three schoolkids sitting near me started sniggering. [Also V about n] ● N‑COUNT Snigger is also a noun. □ …trying to suppress a snigger.

snip /sn I p/ (snips , snipping , snipped )


1 VERB If you snip something, or if you snip at or through something, you cut it quickly using sharp scissors. □ [V adv/prep] He has now begun to snip away at the piece of paper. □ [V n] He snipped a length of new bandage and placed it around Peter's chest.


2 N‑SING If you say that something is a snip , you mean that it is very good value. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ The beautifully made briefcase is a snip at £74.25.

snipe /sna I p/ (snipes , sniping , sniped )


1 VERB If someone snipes at you, they criticize you. □ [V + at ] The Spanish media were still sniping at the British press yesterday. ● snip|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ This leaves him vulnerable to sniping from within his own party.


2 VERB To snipe at someone means to shoot at them from a hidden position. □ [V + at ] Gunmen have repeatedly sniped at U.S. Army positions. □ [V -ing] A member of the security forces was killed in a sniping incident.

snip|er /sna I pə r / (snipers ) N‑COUNT A sniper is someone who shoots at people from a hidden position.

snip|pet /sn I p I t/ (snippets ) N‑COUNT A snippet of something is a small piece of it. □ [+ of ] …snippets of popular classical music.

snitch /sn I tʃ/ (snitches , snitching , snitched )


1 VERB To snitch on a person means to tell someone in authority that the person has done something bad or wrong. [INFORMAL ] □ [V + on ] She felt like a fifth-grader who had snitched on a classmate. [Also V ]


2 N‑COUNT A snitch is a person who snitches on other people. [INFORMAL ]

sniv|el /sn I v ə l/ (snivels , snivelling , snivelled ) in AM, use sniveling , sniveled VERB If someone is snivelling , they are crying or sniffing in a way that irritates you. □ [V ] Billy started to snivel. His mother smacked his hand.

snob /snɒ b/ (snobs )


1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a snob , you disapprove of them because they admire upper-class people and have a low opinion of lower-class people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Going to a private school had made her a snob.


2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a snob , you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are superior to other people because of their intelligence or taste. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She was an intellectual snob.

snob|bery /snɒ bəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Snobbery is the attitude of a snob.

snob|bish /snɒ b I ʃ/ ADJ If you describe someone as snobbish , you disapprove of them because they are too proud of their social status, intelligence, or taste. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ They had a snobbish dislike for their intellectual and social inferiors.

snob|by /snɒ bi/ (snobbier , snobbiest ) ADJ Snobby means the same as snobbish .

snog /snɒ g/ (snogs , snogging , snogged ) VERB If one person snogs another, they kiss and hold that person for a period of time. You can also say that two people are snogging . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] I'm 15 and I've never snogged a girl. □ [V ] They were snogging under a bridge. ● N‑COUNT Snog is also a noun. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ They went for a quick snog behind the bike sheds.

snook /snuː k/ PHRASE If you cock a snook at someone in authority or at an organization, you do something that they cannot punish you for, but which insults them or expresses your contempt. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ Tories cocked a snook at their prime minister over this legislation.

snook|er /snuː kə r , [AM ] snʊ k-/ (snookers , snookering , snookered )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Snooker is a game involving balls on a large table. The players use a long stick to hit a white ball, and score points by knocking coloured balls into the pockets at the sides of the table. □ …a game of snooker. □ They were playing snooker.


2 VERB [usu passive] If you are snookered by something, it is difficult or impossible for you to take action or do what you want to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] The President has been snookered on this issue.

snoop /snuː p/ (snoops , snooping , snooped )


1 VERB If someone snoops around a place, they secretly look around it in order to find out things. □ [V adv/prep] Ricardo was the one she'd seen snooping around Kim's hotel room. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Snoop is also a noun. □ The second house that he had a snoop around contained 'strong simple furniture'. ● snoop|er (snoopers ) N‑COUNT □ The island's strange lack of street names is meant to dissuade journalistic snoopers.


2 VERB If someone snoops on a person, they watch them secretly in order to find out things about their life. □ [V + on ] Governments have been known to snoop on innocent citizens.

snooty /snuː ti/ (snootier , snootiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is snooty , you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are superior to other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …snooty intellectuals.

snooze /snuː z/ (snoozes , snoozing , snoozed )


1 N‑COUNT A snooze is a short, light sleep, especially during the day. [INFORMAL ]


2 VERB If you snooze , you sleep lightly for a short period of time. [INFORMAL ] □ [V ] Mark snoozed in front of the television.

snore /snɔː r / (snores , snoring , snored ) VERB When someone who is asleep snores , they make a loud noise each time they breathe. □ [V ] His mouth was open, and he was snoring. ● N‑COUNT Snore is also a noun. □ Uncle Arthur, after a loud snore, woke suddenly.

snor|kel /snɔː r k ə l/ (snorkels , snorkelling , snorkelled ) in AM, use snorkeling , snorkeled 1 N‑COUNT A snorkel is a tube through which a person swimming just under the surface of the sea can breathe.


2 VERB When someone snorkels , they swim under water using a snorkel. □ [V ] We went snorkelling, and then returned for lunch.

snort /snɔː r t/ (snorts , snorting , snorted )


1 VERB When people or animals snort , they breathe air noisily out through their noses. People sometimes snort in order to express disapproval or amusement. □ [V + with ] Harrell snorted with laughter. □ [V ] He snorted loudly and shook his head. ● N‑COUNT Snort is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …snorts of laughter. □ He turned away with a snort.


2 VERB If someone snorts something, they say it in a way that shows contempt. □ [V with quote] 'Reports,' he snorted. 'Anyone can write reports.'


3 VERB To snort a drug such as cocaine means to breathe it in quickly through your nose. □ [V n] He died of cardiac arrest after snorting cocaine.

snot /snɒ t/ N‑UNCOUNT Snot is the substance that is produced inside your nose. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]

snot|ty /snɒ ti/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is snotty produces or is covered in snot. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ He suffered from a snotty nose, runny eyes and a slight cough.


2 ADJ If you describe someone as snotty , you disapprove of them because they have a very proud and superior attitude to other people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …snotty college kids.

snout /snaʊ t/ (snouts ) N‑COUNT The snout of an animal such as a pig is its long nose. □ Two alligators rest their snouts on the water's surface.

snow ◆◇◇ /snoʊ / (snows , snowing , snowed )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Snow consists of a lot of soft white bits of frozen water that fall from the sky in cold weather. □ In Mid-Wales six inches of snow blocked roads. □ They tramped through the falling snow.


2 N‑PLURAL You can refer to a great deal of snow in an area as the snows . □ …the first snows of winter.


3 VERB When it snows , snow falls from the sky. □ [V ] It had been snowing all night.


4 VERB If someone snows you, they persuade you to do something or convince you of something by flattering or deceiving you. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] I'd been a fool letting him snow me with his big ideas.


5 → see also snowed in , snowed under

snow|ball /snoʊ bɔːl/ (snowballs , snowballing , snowballed )


1 N‑COUNT A snowball is a ball of snow. Children often throw snowballs at each other.


2 VERB If something such as a project or campaign snowballs , it rapidly increases and grows. □ [V ] From those early days the business has snowballed.

snow|board /snoʊ bɔː r d/ (snowboards ) N‑COUNT A snowboard is a narrow board that you stand on in order to slide quickly down snowy slopes as a sport or for fun.

snow|board|ing /snoʊ bɔː r d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Snowboarding is the sport or activity of travelling down snowy slopes using a snowboard. □ New snowboarding facilities should attract more people.

snow|bound /snoʊ baʊnd/ ADJ If people or vehicles are snowbound , they cannot go anywhere because of heavy snow. □ The village became snowbound.

sno w-capped ADJ [ADJ n] A snow-capped mountain is covered with snow at the top. [LITERARY ] □ …the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

sno w-covered ADJ [usu ADJ n] Snow-covered places and things are covered over with snow. □ …a Swiss chalet set in the snow-covered hills.

snow|drift /snoʊ dr I ft/ (snowdrifts ) N‑COUNT A snowdrift is a deep pile of snow formed by the wind.

snow|drop /snoʊ drɒp/ (snowdrops ) N‑COUNT A snowdrop is a small white flower which appears in the early spring.

sno wed i n ADJ If you are snowed in , you cannot go anywhere because of heavy snow. □ We may all be snowed in here together for days.

sno wed u n|der ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that you are snowed under , you are emphasizing that you have a lot of work or other things to deal with. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ with ] Ed was snowed under with fan mail when he was doing his television show.

snow|fall /snoʊ fɔːl/ (snowfalls )


1 N‑UNCOUNT The snowfall in an area or country is the amount of snow that falls there during a particular period. □ The total rain and snowfall amounted to 50mm.


2 N‑COUNT A snowfall is a fall of snow.

snow|field /snoʊ fiːld/ (snowfields ) N‑COUNT A snowfield is a large area which is always covered in snow.

snow|flake /snoʊ fle I k/ (snowflakes ) N‑COUNT A snowflake is one of the soft, white bits of frozen water that fall as snow.

snow|man /snoʊ mæn/ (snowmen ) N‑COUNT A snowman is a large shape which is made out of snow, especially by children, and is supposed to look like a person.

snow|mobile /snoʊ məbiːl/ (snowmobiles ) N‑COUNT A snowmobile is a small vehicle built to move across snow and ice.

sno w pea (snow peas ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Snow peas are a type of pea whose pods are eaten as well as the peas inside them. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] in BRIT, use mangetout

snow|plough /snoʊ plaʊ/ (snowploughs ) in AM, use snowplow N‑COUNT A snowplough is a vehicle which is used to push snow off roads or railway lines.

snow|shoe /snoʊ ʃuː/ (snowshoes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Snowshoes are oval frames which have a strong net stretched across them and which you fasten to your feet so that you can walk on deep snow.

snow|storm /snoʊ stɔː r m/ (snowstorms ) N‑COUNT A snowstorm is a very heavy fall of snow, usually when there is also a strong wind blowing at the same time.

sno w-whi te ADJ Something that is snow-white is of a bright white colour. □ His hair was snow white like an old man's.

snowy /snoʊ i/ (snowier , snowiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A snowy place is covered in snow. A snowy day is a day when a lot of snow has fallen. □ …the snowy peaks of the Bighorn Mountains.

Snr Snr is the written abbreviation for senior . It is used after someone's name to distinguish them from a younger member of their family who has the same name. [mainly BRIT ] □ …Robert Trent Jones, Snr. in AM, use Sr.

snub /snʌ b/ (snubs , snubbing , snubbed )


1 VERB If you snub someone, you deliberately insult them by ignoring them or by behaving or speaking rudely towards them. □ [V n] He snubbed her in public and made her feel an idiot.


2 N‑COUNT If you snub someone, your behaviour or your remarks can be referred to as a snub . □ His decision not to attend the opening was seen as a snub to the club's hierarchy.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Someone who has a snub nose has a short nose which points slightly upwards.

snuck /snʌ k/ Snuck is a past tense and past participle of sneak in American English.

snuff /snʌ f/ (snuffs , snuffing , snuffed )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Snuff is powdered tobacco which people take by breathing it in quickly through their nose.


2 VERB If someone snuffs it , they die. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V it ] He thought he was about to snuff it.


▸ snuff out


1 PHRASAL VERB To snuff out something such as a disagreement means to stop it, usually in a forceful or sudden way. □ [V n P ] Every time a new flicker of resistance appeared, the government snuffed it out. □ [V P n] The recent rebound in mortgage rates could snuff out the housing recovery.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you snuff out a small flame, you stop it burning, usually by using your fingers or by covering it with something for a few seconds. □ [V P n] Tenzin snuffed out the candle. [Also V n P ]

snuf|fle /snʌ f ə l/ (snuffles , snuffling , snuffled ) VERB If a person or an animal snuffles , they breathe in noisily through their nose, for example because they have a cold. □ [V ] She snuffled and wiped her nose on the back of her hand.

snug /snʌ g/ (snugger , snuggest )


1 ADJ If you feel snug or are in a snug place, you are very warm and comfortable, especially because you are protected from cold weather. □ They lay snug and warm amid the blankets. □ …a snug log cabin.


2 ADJ Something such as a piece of clothing that is snug fits very closely or tightly. □ …a snug black T-shirt and skin-tight black jeans.


3 N‑COUNT A snug is a small room in a pub.

snug|gle /snʌ g ə l/ (snuggles , snuggling , snuggled ) VERB If you snuggle somewhere, you settle yourself into a warm, comfortable position, especially by moving closer to another person. □ [V adv/prep] Jane snuggled up against his shoulder.

so ◆◆◆ /soʊ / Usually pronounced /soʊ/ for meanings 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 16 and 17 . 1 ADV [ADV after v] You use so to refer back to something that has just been mentioned. □ 'Do you think that made much of a difference to the family?'—'I think so.' □ If you can't play straight, then say so. □ 'Is he the kind of man who can be as flexible as he needs to be?'—' Well, I hope so.'


2 ADV You use so when you are saying that something which has just been said about one person or thing is also true of another one. □ I enjoy Ann's company and so does Martin. □ They had a wonderful time and so did I.


3 CONJ You use the structures as…so and just as…so when you want to indicate that two events or situations are similar in some way. □ As computer systems become more sophisticated, so too do the methods of those who exploit the technology. □ Just as John has changed, so has his wife.


4 ADV [v-link ADV ] If you say that a state of affairs is so , you mean that it is the way it has been described. □ Gold has been a poor investment over the past 20 years, and will continue to be so. □ It is strange to think that he held strong views, but it must have been so.


5 ADV [ADV after v] You can use so with actions and gestures to show a person how to do something, or to indicate the size, height, or length of something. □ Clasp the chain like so.


6 CONJ You use so and so that to introduce the result of the situation you have just mentioned. □ I am not an emotional type and so cannot bring myself to tell him I love him. □ Duvet covers are usually made from cotton, so they can be easily washed. □ There was snow everywhere, so that the shape of things was difficult to identify.


7 CONJ You use so , so that , and so as to introduce the reason for doing the thing that you have just mentioned. □ Come to my suite so I can tell you all about this wonderful play I saw in Boston. □ He took her arm and hurried her upstairs so that they wouldn't be overheard. □ I was beginning to feel alarm, but kept it to myself so as not to worry our two friends.


8 ADV You can use so in stories and accounts to introduce the next event in a series of events or to suggest a connection between two events. □ The woman asked if he could perhaps mend her fences, and so he stayed. □ I thought, 'Here's someone who'll understand me.' So I wrote to her. □ And so Christmas passed.


9 ADV You can use so in conversations to introduce a new topic, or to introduce a question or comment about something that has been said. □ So how was your day? □ So you're a runner, huh? □ So, as I said to you, natural medicine is also known as holistic medicine. □ And so, to answer your question, that's why your mother is disappointed. □ 'I didn't find him funny at all.'—'So you won't watch the show again then?'


10 ADV You can use so in conversations to show that you are accepting what someone has just said. □ 'It makes me feel, well, important.'—'And so you are.' □ 'You know who Diana was, Grandfather.'—'So I do!' □ 'Why, this is nothing but common vegetable soup!'—'So it is, madam.'


11 CONVENTION You say ' So? ' and ' So what? ' to indicate that you think that something that someone has said is unimportant. [INFORMAL ] □ 'My name's Bruno.'—'So?' □ 'You take a chance on the weather if you holiday in the U.K.'—'So what?'


12 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use so in front of adjectives and adverbs to emphasize the quality that they are describing. [EMPHASIS ] □ He was surprised they had married–they had seemed so different. □ What is so compromising about being an employee of the state?


13 ADV [ADV adj that] You can use so…that and so…as to emphasize the degree of something by mentioning the result or consequence of it. [EMPHASIS ] □ The tears were streaming so fast she could not see. □ The deal seems so attractive it would be ridiculous to say no. □ He's not so daft as to listen to rumours.


14 → see also insofar as


15 PHRASE You use and so on or and so forth at the end of a list to indicate that there are other items that you could also mention. □ …subjective ideas of happiness, such as health, wealth, being loved and so on.


16 PHRASE You use so much and so many when you are saying that there is a definite limit to something but you are not saying what this limit is. □ There is only so much time in the day for answering letters. □ Even the greatest city can support only so many lawyers.


17 PHRASE You use the structures not…so much and not so much…as to say that something is one kind of thing rather than another kind. □ I did not really object to Will's behaviour so much as his personality.


18 PHRASE You use or so when you are giving an approximate amount. [VAGUENESS ] □ Though rates are heading down, they still offer real returns of 8% or so. □ Matt got me a room there for a week or so when I first came here.


19 so much the better → see better


20 ever so → see ever


21 so far so good → see far


22 so long → see long ➌


23 so much for → see much


24 so much so → see much


25 every so often → see often


26 so there → see there

soak /soʊ k/ (soaks , soaking , soaked )


1 VERB If you soak something or leave it to soak , you put it into a liquid and leave it there. □ [V n] Soak the beans for 2 hours. □ [V ] He turned off the water and left the dishes to soak.


2 VERB If a liquid soaks something or if you soak something with a liquid, the liquid makes the thing very wet. □ [V n] The water had soaked his jacket and shirt. □ [V n + with ] Soak the soil around each bush with at least 4 gallons of water.


3 VERB If a liquid soaks through something, it passes through it. □ [V prep/adv] There was so much blood it had soaked through my boxer shorts.


4 VERB If someone soaks , they spend a long time in a hot bath, because they enjoy it. □ [V ] What I need is to soak in a hot tub. ● N‑COUNT Soak is also a noun. □ I was having a long soak in the bath.


5 → see also soaked , soaking


▸ soak up


1 PHRASAL VERB If a soft or dry material soaks up a liquid, the liquid goes into the substance. □ [V P n] The cells will promptly start to soak up moisture. [Also V n P ]


2 PHRASAL VERB If you soak up the atmosphere in a place that you are visiting, you observe or get involved in the way of life there, because you enjoy it or are interested in it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Keaton comes here once or twice a year to soak up the atmosphere. [Also V n P ]


3 PHRASAL VERB If something soaks up something such as money or other resources, it uses a great deal of money or other resources. □ [V P n] Defence soaks up forty per cent of the budget. [Also V n P ]

soaked /soʊ kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something gets soaked or soaked through , water or some other liquid makes them extremely wet. □ I have to check my tent–it got soaked last night in the storm. □ We got soaked to the skin.

-soaked /-soʊkt/ COMB [usu ADJ n] -soaked combines with nouns such as 'rain' and 'blood' to form adjectives which describe someone or something that is extremely wet or extremely damp because of the thing mentioned. □ He trudged through the rain-soaked woods. □ …blood-soaked clothes.

soak|ing /soʊ k I ŋ/ ADJ If something is soaking or soaking wet , it is very wet. □ My face and raincoat were soaking wet.

so -and-so


1 PRON You use so-and-so instead of a word, expression, or name when you are talking generally rather than giving a specific example of a particular thing. [INFORMAL ] □ It would be a case of 'just do so-and-so and here's your cash'. □ In those days, the boss was respectfully addressed as Mr so-and-so.


2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to another person as a so-and-so when they are annoyed with them or think that they are foolish. People often use so-and-so in order to avoid using a swear word. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ All her fault, the wicked little so-and-so.

soap /soʊ p/ (soaps , soaping , soaped )


1 N‑VAR Soap is a substance that you use with water for washing yourself or sometimes for washing clothes. □ …a bar of lavender soap. □ …a large packet of soap powder. □ …a soap bubble.


2 VERB If you soap yourself , you rub soap on your body in order to wash yourself. □ [V pron-refl] She soaped herself all over.


3 N‑COUNT A soap is the same as a soap opera . [INFORMAL ]

soap|box /soʊ pbɒks/ (soapboxes )


1 N‑COUNT A soapbox is a small temporary platform on which a person stands when he or she is making a speech outdoors. □ He climbed aboard a soapbox to declaim against the evils of modern society.


2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is on their soapbox , you mean that they are speaking or writing about something they have strong feelings about. □ We were interested in pushing forward certain issues and getting up on our soapbox about them.

soa p op|era (soap operas ) N‑COUNT A soap opera is a popular television drama series about the daily lives and problems of a group of people who live in a particular place.

soapy /soʊ pi/ (soapier , soapiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is soapy is full of soap or covered with soap. □ Wash your hands thoroughly with hot soapy water before handling any food.

soar /sɔː r / (soars , soaring , soared )


1 VERB If the amount, value, level, or volume of something soars , it quickly increases by a great deal. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V ] Insurance claims are expected to soar. □ [V prep/adv] Figures showed customer complaints had soared to record levels and profits were falling.


2 VERB If something such as a bird soars into the air, it goes quickly up into the air. [LITERARY ] □ [V prep/adv] If you're lucky, a splendid golden eagle may soar into view. □ [V n] The two sheets of flame clashed, soaring hundreds of feet high.


3 VERB If your spirits soar , you suddenly start to feel very happy. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] For the first time in months, my spirits soared.

soar|away /sɔː rəwe I / ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as a soaraway success, you mean that its success has suddenly increased. [BRIT , JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □ …soaraway sales.

sob /sɒ b/ (sobs , sobbing , sobbed )


1 VERB When someone sobs , they cry in a noisy way, breathing in short breaths. □ [V ] She began to sob again, burying her face in the pillow. □ [V ] Her sister broke down, sobbing into her handkerchief. ● sob|bing N‑UNCOUNT □ The room was silent except for her sobbing.


2 VERB If you sob something, you say it while you are crying. □ [V with quote] 'Everything's my fault,' she sobbed.


3 N‑COUNT A sob is one of the noises that you make when you are crying.

so|ber /soʊ bə r / (sobers , sobering , sobered )


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] When you are sober , you are not drunk. □ When Dad was sober he was a good father.


2 ADJ A sober person is serious and thoughtful. □ We are now far more sober and realistic. □ The euphoria is giving way to a more sober assessment of the situation. ● so|ber|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ 'There's a new development,' he said soberly.


3 ADJ Sober colours and clothes are plain and rather dull. □ He dresses in sober grey suits. □ …sober-suited middle-aged men. ● so|ber|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She saw Ellis, soberly dressed in a well-cut dark suit.


4 → see also sobering


5 stone-cold sober → see stone-cold


▸ sober up PHRASAL VERB If someone sobers up , or if something sobers them up , they become sober after being drunk. □ [V P ] He was left to sober up in a police cell. □ [V n P ] …the idea that a cup of strong black coffee sobers you up.

so|ber|ing /soʊ bər I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You say that something is a sobering thought or has a sobering effect when a situation seems serious and makes you become serious and thoughtful. □ Statistics paint a sobering picture–unemployment, tight credit, lower home values.

so|bri|ety /səbra I I ti/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Sobriety is the state of being sober rather than drunk. [FORMAL ]


2 N‑UNCOUNT Sobriety is serious and thoughtful behaviour. [FORMAL ] □ …the values society depends upon, such as honesty, sobriety and trust.

so|bri|quet /soʊ br I ke I / (sobriquets ) also soubriquet N‑COUNT [usu sing] A sobriquet is a humorous name that people give someone or something. [WRITTEN ] □ From his staff he earned the sobriquet 'Mumbles'.

so b sto|ry (sob stories ) N‑COUNT You describe what someone tells you about their own or someone else's difficulties as a sob story when you think that they have told you about it in order to get your sympathy. □ Any sob story moved Jarvis to generosity.

Soc. /sɒ k/ Soc. is the written abbreviation for society .

so -ca lled ◆◇◇ also so called


1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use so-called to indicate that you think a word or expression used to describe someone or something is in fact wrong. □ These are the facts that explode their so-called economic miracle.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use so-called to indicate that something is generally referred to by the name that you are about to use. □ …a summit of the world's seven leading market economies, the so-called G-7.

soc|cer ◆◇◇ /sɒ kə r / N‑UNCOUNT Soccer is a game played by two teams of eleven players using a round ball. Players kick the ball to each other and try to score goals by kicking the ball into a large net. Outside the USA, this game is also referred to as football .

so|cia|ble /soʊ ʃəb ə l/ ADJ Sociable people are friendly and enjoy talking to other people. □ She was, and remained, extremely sociable, enjoying dancing, golf and bicycling.

so|cial ◆◆◆ /soʊ ʃ ə l/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Social means relating to society or to the way society is organized. □ …the worst effects of unemployment, low pay and other social problems. □ …long-term social change. □ …changing social attitudes. □ …the tightly woven social fabric of small towns. □ …research into housing and social policy. ● so|cial|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ Let's face it–drinking is a socially acceptable habit. □ …one of the most socially deprived areas in Britain.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Social means relating to the status or rank that someone has in society. □ Higher education is unequally distributed across social classes. □ The guests came from all social backgrounds. ● so|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed] □ For socially ambitious couples this is a problem. □ …socially disadvantaged children.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Social means relating to leisure activities that involve meeting other people. □ We ought to organize more social events. ● so|cial|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ We have known each other socially for a long time. □ The two groups rarely meet socially.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Social animals live in groups and do things together. □ …social insects like bees and ants.

so |cial cha p|ter N‑SING The social chapter is an agreement between countries in the European Union concerning workers' rights and working conditions.

so |cial cli mb|er (social climbers ) N‑COUNT You describe someone as a social climber when they try to get accepted into a higher social class by becoming friendly with people who belong to that class. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ That Rous was a snob and a social climber could scarcely be denied.

so |cial cli mb|ing also social-climbing N‑UNCOUNT You describe someone's behaviour as social climbing when they try to get accepted into a higher social class by becoming friendly with people who belong to that class. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ All that vulgar social-climbing! ● ADJ [ADJ n] Social climbing is also an adjective. □ She was offered the role of the social climbing sister-in-law Debbie.

so |cial club (social clubs ) N‑COUNT A social club is a club where members go in order to meet each other and enjoy leisure activities.

so |cial de|mo c|ra|cy (social democracies )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Social democracy is a political system according to which social justice and equality can be achieved within the framework of a market economy. □ …western-style social democracy.


2 N‑COUNT A social democracy is a country where there is social democracy.

so |cial demo|cra t|ic ADJ [ADJ n] A social democratic party is a political party whose principles are based on social democracy. □ …modest social democratic moves to alleviate child poverty.

so |cial ex|clu |sion N‑UNCOUNT Social exclusion is the act of making certain groups of people within a society feel isolated and unimportant. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …projects aimed at tackling unemployment and social exclusion.

so |cial ga m|ing N‑UNCOUNT Social gaming is the activity of playing online games with other members of the same online group. □ The company plans to move into the social gaming market.

so |cial hou s|ing N‑UNCOUNT Social housing is housing which is provided for rent or sale at a fairly low cost by housing associations and local councils. [BRIT ]

so |cial in|clu |sion N‑UNCOUNT Social inclusion is the act of making all groups of people within a society feel valued and important. [APPROVAL ] □ This will cost money, but if social inclusion is to succeed, it must be spent.

so|ciali|sa|tion /soʊ ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ → see socialization

so|cial|ise /soʊ ʃəla I z/ → see socialize

so|cial|ism /soʊ ʃəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Socialism is a set of left-wing political principles whose general aim is to create a system in which everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from a country's wealth. Under socialism, the country's main industries are usually owned by the state.

so|cial|ist ◆◇◇ /soʊ ʃəl I st/ (socialists )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Socialist means based on socialism or relating to socialism. □ …members of the ruling Socialist party.


2 N‑COUNT A socialist is a person who believes in socialism or who is a member of a socialist party. □ The French electorate voted out the socialists. SYNONYMS socialist ADJ 1


left-wing: They said they would not be voting for him because he was too left-wing.


communist: …a communist party


Marxist: …Marxist ideology.

so|cial|is|tic /soʊ ʃəl I st I k/ ADJ If you describe a policy or organization as socialistic , you mean that it has some of the features of socialism. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Conservatives denounced it as socialistic.

so|cial|ite /soʊ ʃəla I t/ (socialites ) N‑COUNT A socialite is a person who attends many fashionable upper-class social events and who is well known because of this. [JOURNALISM ]

so|ciali|za|tion /soʊ ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use socialisation 1 N‑UNCOUNT Socialization is the process by which people, especially children, are made to behave in a way which is acceptable in their culture or society. [TECHNICAL ] □ Female socialization emphasizes getting along with others.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Socialization is the process by which something is made to operate on socialist principles. [TECHNICAL ]

so|cial|ize /soʊ ʃəla I z/ (socializes , socializing , socialized ) in BRIT, also use socialise 1 VERB If you socialize , you meet other people socially, for example at parties. □ [V ] …an open meeting, where members socialized and welcomed any new members. □ [V + with ] It distressed her that she no longer socialized with old friends. ● so|cial|iz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The hours were terrible, so socialising was difficult.


2 VERB [usu passive] When people, especially children, are socialized , they are made to behave in a way which is acceptable in their culture or society. [TECHNICAL ] □ [be V -ed] You may have been socialized to do as you are told.

so |cial life (social lives ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Your social life involves spending time with your friends, for example at parties or in pubs or bars.

so |cial me |dia N‑UNCOUNT Social media refers to websites and computer programs that make communication possible with the use of computers or mobile phones. Social media can take the singular or plural form of the verb. □ Politicians are increasingly using social media to get their message across.

so|cial ne t|work|ing N‑UNCOUNT Social networking is the activity of using a particular website to contact other people and share information. □ Social networking is part of everyday life, both for consumer and business-to-business applications. □ …a social networking site.

so |cial o r|der (social orders ) N‑VAR The social order in a place is the way that society is organized there. □ …the threat to social order posed by right-wing extremists.

so |cial sci |ence (social sciences )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Social science is the scientific study of society.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The social sciences are the various types of social science, for example sociology and politics.

so |cial sci |en|tist (social scientists ) N‑COUNT A social scientist is a person who studies or teaches social science.

so |cial se|cu |rity N‑UNCOUNT Social security is a system under which a government pays money regularly to certain groups of people, for example the sick, the unemployed, or those with no other income. □ …women who did not have jobs and were on social security.

so |cial se r|vices N‑PLURAL The social services in a district are the services provided by the local authority or government to help people who have serious family or financial problems. □ I have asked the social services for help, but they have not done anything.

so |cial stu d|ies


1 N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, social studies is a subject that is taught in schools and colleges, and includes sociology, politics, and economics.


2 N‑UNCOUNT In the United States, social studies is a subject that is taught in schools, and that includes history, geography, sociology, and politics.

so |cial work N‑UNCOUNT Social work is work which involves giving help and advice to people with serious family problems or financial problems.

so |cial work|er (social workers ) N‑COUNT A social worker is a person whose job is to do social work.

so|ci|etal /səsa I I t ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Societal means relating to society or to the way society is organized. [FORMAL ] □ …societal changes □ …societal norms.

so|ci|ety ◆◆◆ /səsa I I ti/ (societies )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Society is people in general, thought of as a large organized group. □ This reflects attitudes and values prevailing in society. □ He maintains Islam must adapt to modern society.


2 N‑VAR A society is the people who live in a country or region, their organizations, and their way of life. □ We live in a capitalist society.


3 N‑COUNT A society is an organization for people who have the same interest or aim. □ …the North of England Horticultural Society. □ …the historical society.


4 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Society is the rich, fashionable people in a particular place who meet on social occasions. □ …the high season for society weddings.


5 → see also building society

PREFIX socio-


is used to form adjectives and nouns which describe or refer to things relating to or involving social factors. For example, someone's socioeconomic background relates to the social aspects of the family or culture they come from.

so cio-econo mic also socioeconomic ADJ [ADJ n] Socio-economic circumstances or developments involve a combination of social and economic factors. □ Suicide is often connected with socio-economic deprivation.

so|ci|ol|ogy /soʊ siɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sociology is the study of society or of the way society is organized. ● so|cio|logi|cal /soʊ siəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ Psychological and sociological studies were emphasizing the importance of the family. ● so|ci|olo|gist (sociologists ) N‑COUNT □ All sociologists are engaged in an attempt to understand the links across and within societies.

so|cio|path /soʊ siəpæθ/ (sociopaths ) N‑COUNT A sociopath is the same as a psychopath .

so cio-poli tical also sociopolitical ADJ [ADJ n] Socio-political systems and problems involve a combination of social and political factors. □ …sociopolitical issues such as ecology and human rights.

sock /sɒ k/ (socks ) N‑COUNT Socks are pieces of clothing which cover your foot and ankle and are worn inside shoes. □ …a pair of knee-length socks.

sock|et /sɒ k I t/ (sockets )


1 N‑COUNT A socket is a device on a piece of electrical equipment into which you can put a bulb or plug.


2 N‑COUNT A socket is a device or point in a wall where you can connect electrical equipment to the power supply. [BRIT ] in AM, use outlet 3 N‑COUNT You can refer to any hollow part or opening in a structure which another part fits into as a socket . □ Her eyes were sunk deep into their sockets.

sod /sɒ d/ (sods )


1 N‑COUNT If someone calls another person or something such as a job a sod , they are expressing anger or annoyance towards that person or thing. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ]


2 EXCLAM If someone uses an expression such as sod it , sod you , or sod that , they are expressing anger or showing that they do not care about something. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ]


3 PHRASE Sod all means 'nothing at all'. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]


4 PHRASE Sod's Law or sod's law is the idea that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]


▸ sod off PHRASAL VERB If someone tells someone else to sod off , they are telling them in a very rude way to go away or leave them alone. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]

soda /soʊ də/ (sodas )


1 N‑VAR Soda is the same as soda water .


2 N‑VAR Soda is a sweet fizzy drink. [AM ] □ …a glass of diet soda. ● N‑COUNT A soda is a bottle of soda. □ They had liquor for the adults and sodas for the children.


3 → see also bicarbonate of soda , caustic soda

so da crack|er (soda crackers ) N‑COUNT A soda cracker is a thin, square, salty biscuit. [AM ]

so da foun|tain (soda fountains ) N‑COUNT A soda fountain is a counter in a drugstore or café, where snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are prepared and sold. [AM ]

so da pop (soda pops ) N‑UNCOUNT Soda pop is a sweet fizzy drink. [AM ] ● N‑COUNT A soda pop is a bottle or a glass of soda pop.

so da si|phon (soda siphons ) also soda syphon N‑COUNT A soda siphon is a special bottle for putting soda water in a drink.

so da wa|ter also soda-water N‑VAR Soda water is fizzy water used for mixing with alcoholic drinks and fruit juice. ● N‑COUNT A glass of soda water can be referred to as a soda water .

sod|den /sɒ d ə n/ ADJ Something that is sodden is extremely wet. □ We stripped off our sodden clothes.

-sodden /-sɒd ə n/


1 COMB [usu ADJ n] -sodden combines with 'drink' and with the names of alcoholic drinks to form adjectives which describe someone who has drunk too much alcohol and is in a bad state as a result. □ He portrays a drink-sodden reporter.


2 COMB [usu ADJ n] -sodden combines with words such as 'rain' to form adjectives which describe someone or something that has become extremely wet as a result of the thing that is mentioned. □ The porter put our scruffy rain-sodden luggage on a trolley.

sod|ding /sɒ d I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sodding is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are angry or annoyed. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

so|dium /soʊ diəm/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Sodium is a silvery-white chemical element which combines with other chemicals. Salt is a sodium compound. □ The fish or seafood is heavily salted with pure sodium chloride. □ …one level teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Sodium lighting gives out a strong orange light. □ …the orange glow of the sodium streetlamps.

sodo|my /sɒ dəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sodomy is anal sexual intercourse.

sofa /soʊ fə/ (sofas ) N‑COUNT A sofa is a long, comfortable seat with a back and usually with arms, which two or three people can sit on.

so fa bed (sofa beds ) also sofa-bed N‑COUNT A sofa bed is a type of sofa whose seat folds out so that it can also be used as a bed.

soft ◆◆◇ /sɒ ft, [AM ] sɔː ft/ (softer , softest )


1 ADJ Something that is soft is pleasant to touch, and not rough or hard. □ Regular use of a body lotion will keep the skin soft and supple. □ …warm, soft, white towels. ● soft|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ The sea air robbed her hair of its softness.


2 ADJ Something that is soft changes shape or bends easily when you press it. □ She lay down on the soft, comfortable bed. □ Add enough milk to form a soft dough. □ …soft cheese.


3 ADJ Something that has a soft appearance has smooth curves rather than sharp or distinct edges. □ This is a smart, yet soft and feminine look. □ …the soft curves of her body. ● soft|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She wore a softly tailored suit. □ …a fresh, modern hairstyle which has long layers falling softly on the neck.


4 ADJ Something that is soft is very gentle and has no force. For example, a soft sound or voice is quiet and not harsh. A soft light or colour is pleasant to look at because it is not bright. □ There was a soft tapping on my door. □ When he woke again he could hear soft music. ● soft|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She crossed the softly lit room. □ She bent forward and kissed him softly.


5 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are soft on someone, you do not treat them as strictly or severely as you should do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ on ] The president says the measure is soft and weak on criminals.


6 ADJ If you say that someone has a soft heart , you mean that they are sensitive and sympathetic towards other people. [APPROVAL ] □ Her rather tough and worldly exterior hides a very soft and sensitive heart.


7 ADJ You use soft to describe a way of life that is easy and involves very little work. □ The regime at Latchmere could be seen as a soft option.


8 ADJ [ADJ n] Soft drugs are drugs, such as cannabis, which are illegal but which many people do not consider to be strong or harmful.


9 ADJ A soft target is a place or person that can easily be attacked. □ Women who carry cash about in the streets, as they very often have to, are a very soft target.


10 ADJ Soft water does not contain much of the mineral calcium and so makes bubbles easily when you use soap.


11 PHRASE If you have a soft spot for someone or something, you feel a great deal of affection for them or like them a lot. □ Terry had a soft spot for me.


12 a soft touch → see touch SYNONYMS soft ADJ


1


silky: Claire smoothed Katy's silky hair.


velvety: The grass grew thick and velvety.

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