First Known Use: circa 1500
Dictionary
slippery
adjective slip·pery \ˈsli-p(ə-)rē\
: difficult to stand on, move on, or hold because of being smooth, wet, icy, etc.
: not easy to understand or identify in an exact way
: not able to be trusted
slip·per·i·erslip·per·i·est
Full Definition of SLIPPERY
1
a : causing or tending to cause something to slide or fall <slippery roads> b : tending to slip from the grasp <a slippery fish>
See slippery defined for English-language learners
See slippery defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SLIPPERY
alteration of Middle English slipper
SLIPPERIER Defined for Kids
slippery
adjective slip·pery \ˈsli-pə-rē\
slip·per·i·erslip·per·i·est
Definition of SLIPPERY for Kids
1
: having a surface smooth or wet enough to make holding onto or moving or standing on difficult <a slippery fish> <A man fell on the slippery walk.>
2
: not to be trusted : tricky <a slippery politician>
Learn More About SLIPPERY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: slippery dickPrevious Word in the Dictionary: slipperwortAll Words Near: slippery
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up slippery? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).