WordGarden.ioslice
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /slˈaɪs/
US
- /ˈslaɪs/
Meanings
Noun
a thin flat serving or piece cut from a larger food item
a section, portion, or share taken from a larger whole
a shot or spin that makes a ball curve sideways, especially in golf or tennis
More meaningsFewer meanings
a selected subsection of an array, string, or other ordered data
Verb
to cut something into thin flat pieces
Beyond the definition
Think of a pizza: when you take one piece, that is a slice. But the word is not only about food. It can mean a thin, flat piece cut from something larger, or a small part of a bigger whole. A "slice of life" gives you a small view of ordinary life, and "a slice of the action" means a chance to take part in something exciting or important.
The word comes from Old French and originally meant a fragment. You can slice bread with a knife, and the word can also be used for things like time, life, or opportunity. In all these cases, it points to one clear part taken from something larger.
The word "slice" most commonly refers to a thin, flat piece cut from something larger—think of a slice of cake, bread, or even cheese. It implies a clean separation, creating a distinct segment. For example, "She ordered a large pizza with eight slices."
However, "slice" extends far beyond the kitchen. It can describe any portion or section of an abstract concept. A slice of history might be a particular period or event studied in detail, while a slice of time refers to a brief, specific moment. You might also hear that someone got "a slice of the pie," meaning they received a share of profits, benefits, or power.
Figuratively, "slice" can mean to cut through something forcefully or with great skill. A talented speaker might slice through complex arguments with clarity and precision, or a sharp, wintry wind could slice across the open plains. In the world of sports, such as golf or tennis, a "slice" refers to a specific type of stroke that causes the ball to curve away from its path.
The word's origin traces back to the Old French esclice, meaning a fragment or splinter. It evokes the image of dividing something into parts. Whether it is a literal cut, a segment of time, or a share of an opportunity, a "slice" represents a distinct and often carefully defined portion of a larger whole.
Examples
- 1
Food offer
Would you like a slice of pizza?
- 2
Bread serving
He cut me a thick slice of bread.
- 3
Food preparation
She sliced the tomatoes very thin for the salad.
- 4
Cutting action
The knife sliced through the tape easily.
- Patternslice through + object
cut through something cleanly
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Partial view
We only saw a small slice of what the team was dealing with.
- Patterna slice of + larger thing
a small part of it
- 6
Budget share
Every department wants a bigger slice of the budget.
- Patterna slice of + money/work/power
a share of it
- 7
Realistic scene
The documentary gives you a slice of life in a small fishing town.
- Phrasea slice of life
a realistic view of ordinary life
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- slicenounverb
Forms
- slicespluralnounverb
- slicedpast tenseverbnoun
- slicing-ing formverbnoun