First Known Use: 1825
Dictionary
1slum
noun, often attributive \ˈsləm\
: an area of a city where poor people live and the buildings are in bad condition
: a very untidy place
Full Definition of SLUM
: a densely populated usually urban area marked by crowding, dirty run-down housing, poverty, and social disorganization
See slum defined for English-language learners
See slum defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SLUM
origin unknown
2slum
intransitive verb
: to spend time in places or conditions that are much worse than your usual places or conditions
slummedslum·ming
Full Definition of SLUM
: to visit slums especially out of curiosity; broadly : to go somewhere or do something that might be considered beneath one's station —sometimes used with it <slumming it in budget hotels>
— slum·mer noun
First Known Use of SLUM
1884
SLUM Defined for Kids
slum
noun \ˈsləm\
Definition of SLUM for Kids
: a very poor crowded dirty section especially of a city
Learn More About SLUM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: slumber (intransitive verb)Previous Word in the Dictionary: sluitAll Words Near: slum
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up slum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).