Word
slab
US/ˈsɫæb/
UK/slˈæb/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a thick, flat piece of a hard material like stone, wood, or chocolate. It is usually rectangular and heavy.
n. a broad, flat, and thick piece of a solid material, typically stone, concrete, or metal. In technical contexts, it may refer to a large block of memory or a tectonic plate.
Examples
“He cut a thick slab of cheese for his sandwich.”
“Workers laid a heavy concrete slab to create the foundation for the new garden shed.”
“The sculptor spent weeks selecting the perfect slab of Carrara marble, looking for a piece without any internal fractures that might ruin the delicate features of the statue.”
Examples
simple
“He cut a thick slab of cheese for his sandwich.”
contextual
“Workers laid a heavy concrete slab to create the foundation for the new garden shed.”
complex
“The sculptor spent weeks selecting the perfect slab of Carrara marble, looking for a piece without any internal fractures that might ruin the delicate features of the statue.”
Usage
Often followed by 'of' to specify the material.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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