slasher

noun

slash·​er ˈsla-shər How to pronounce slasher (audio)
plural slashers
1
: someone or something that slashes
especially : a person who mutilates or kills with an edged blade
Sociopathic slashers terrorize the Adirondacks, but can they foil a motley crew of campers from Manhattan? —Kirkus Reviews
2
: a horror story (especially a movie or book) in which the villain is a serial killer and especially a slasher
—often used before another noun
A gory, … not-for-the-weak, slasher novel for teens.—Carol Youssif
… my youngest son is a big fan of slasher movies. … where he got this affinity for films featuring large knives and chainsaws and, oh, yes, some actual actors is a mystery.—Gary Smith

Examples of slasher in a Sentence

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.
McGowan, who appeared in the supporting role of Tatum in the 1996 Scream slasher, paid tribute to Panettiere in an Instagram post lamenting the actress’ death and calling for action against how children are treated in the entertainment industry. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 The pic, which world premiered at SXSW to 93% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, follows a filmmaking family, the Smiths, and their low-budget horror movie which turns into a real-life slasher when a dead body shows up on set. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 Just as the geeky navel-gazing threatens to become tedious, a joke or a wink keeps the audience laughing and focused on the fantastical story Schoenbrun actually wants to tell—which isn’t a genuine slasher at all. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 This one is a teen slasher that will cover you with blood and guts at every turn. — Alaina Urquhart, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slasher

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slasher was in 1559

Rhymes for slasher

See All Rhymes for slasher

Browse Nearby Words

slash at
slasher
slash grain
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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