slapped; slapping
Synonyms of slapnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to strike sharply with or as if with the open hand
b
: to cause to strike with a motion or sound like that of a blow with the open hand
2
: to put, place, or throw with careless haste or force
slapped on a coat of paint
3
: to subject to a penalty
usually used with with
slapped him with a $10 fine
4
: to assail verbally : insult

slap

2 of 4

noun (1)

1
a
: a blow with the open hand
b
: a quick sharp blow
2
: a noise like that of a slap
3
see also:

slap

3 of 4

adverb

slap

4 of 4

noun (2)

dialectal British

Examples of slap in a Sentence

Verb She slapped him across the face. He slapped me on the back and said “Good job!”. He called the dog by slapping his hand against his thigh. Waves were slapping against the side of the boat. Gentle waves slapped the side of the raft. doctors used to give newborns a light slap to get them to start breathing that comment is a slap to anyone who has ever served in the military Adverb I walked slap into the post.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
At the weigh-ins and face-off for the IBF heavyweight championship fight, Itauma shoved Hrgovic off the stage and the latter retaliated by slapping the former's face. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 While outlining the details of Clancy's suicide attempt, Reddington slapped a quarter on the table and addressed the prosecutors in what appeared to be a direct challenge to the state. Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
Pre-fight tensions escalated at the weigh-ins, with Itauma shoving Hrgovic off the stage, leading to a retaliatory slap from Hrgovic, adding fuel to the already compelling matchup. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The gang’s very own holiday is on display when Marshall creates a countdown website for Barney’s next slap. Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slap

Word History

Etymology

Verb

akin to Low German slapp, noun blow

Adverb

probably from Low German slapp, from slapp, noun

Noun (2)

Middle English slop, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle Dutch slippen to slip

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (1)

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Adverb

1672, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slap was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slap. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a quick sharp blow especially with the open hand
2
: a noise like that of a slap

slap

2 of 3 verb
slapped; slapping
1
a
: to strike with or as if with the open hand
b
: to make a sound like that of slapping
2
: to put, place, or throw with careless haste or force
slapped the book down on the desk

slap

3 of 3 adverb
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