Slate Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of SLATE

1

[noncount]

:

a type of hard rock that splits easily into thin layers

• Some school blackboards are made of slate.

2

[count]

:

a small sheet of slate in a wooden frame that was used in schools in the past for writing on with chalk

— see also blank slate

3

[count]

:

a piece of slate that is used with others to cover a roof or wall

• roofing slates
• The house has a slate roof.

4

[count]

US

:

a list of people who are trying to win an election

• The party has fielded an impressive slate of candidates this year.

wipe the slate clean

— see 1wipe

Britannica Dictionary definition of SLATE

:

to arrange or plan for something to happen, someone to be chosen, etc.

— usually used as (be) slated

• The new art museum is slated [=_is scheduled_] to open next spring.
• She is slated to become the company's next president.

— often + for

• Her latest album is slated for release in July.

Britannica Dictionary definition of SLATE

[+ object]

British, informal

:

to criticize (someone or something) very harshly

• The film/book was slated by most critics.