slew
slew Lexical Profile
slew Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large number, amount, or variety of something (usually used in the phrase 'a slew of').
"The software update introduced a slew of new features to improve user productivity."
A sudden, uncontrollable sliding or skidding movement, or a pivoting turn around an axis.
"A sudden slew of the rear wheels on the wet pavement forced the driver to slow down."
North American A marshy hollow, swamp, or shallow backwater inlet along a river or lake (a variant spelling of 'slough').
"Migratory waterfowl gathered in the quiet slew at the edge of the prairie."
• verb
To kill violently or in great numbers (the simple past tense of 'slay').
"In the ancient Greek myth, the hero Perseus slew the Gorgon Medusa."
To turn, slide, or skid uncontrollably or sideways, or to cause a vehicle or object to pivot around a fixed point.
"The delivery truck slewed across the icy road before coming to a safe stop."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'slew' has multiple unrelated origins: it serves as the irregular past tense of the verb 'slay', an informal noun meaning a large number ('a slew of'), and a standalone regular verb meaning to skid or swing around (past tense 'slewed').
• Rhymes for slew
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun meaning 'a large number' entered American English in the 19th century from Irish 'sluagh' (a multitude or host). The verb meaning 'to turn or slide' originated in 18th-century nautical slang of uncertain origin, while the past tense of 'slay' comes from Old English 'slog'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.