Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

slum

/slʌm/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.25 in modern English

Syllables
slum
IPA
/slʌm/
6
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
1
Syllables
4
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A dilapidated neighborhood where many people live in a state of poverty.

Countable; Derogatory

noun

Inexpensive trinkets awarded as prizes in a carnival game.

Slang; Uncountable

verb

To visit a neighborhood of a status below one's own.

Intransitive verb

verb

To saunter about in a disreputable manner.

British usage; Dated; Intransitive verb; Slang

noun

Slumgullion; a meat-based stew.

Slang; Uncountable

noun

Nonsense; humbug.

British usage; Obsolete; Slang; Uncountable

Example Sentences

Etymology

Origin

Usage

Subject

Wiktionary places this term in Places.

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce slum?
The recorded pronunciation is /slʌm/.
What does slum mean?
A dilapidated neighborhood where many people live in a state of poverty.
Where does slum come from?
First known use: First attested in 1812.

How to pronounce slum

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “slum”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/slʌm/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “slum”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “slum” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.