# slade

/ˈsɫeɪd/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slade
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a small, flat valley or a piece of low, wet ground. It is an old word used mostly in certain parts of England to describe the shape of the land.

For teachers: a small valley, dell, or strip of greensward between woodlands. Primarily a dialectal or topographic term found in British English to describe specific landscape features.

## Examples

- The sheep gathered in the slade to drink from the stream.
- The hikers followed the path down into a narrow slade where the grass remained green even in the height of summer.
- The ancient boundary of the parish was marked by a deep slade that collected the runoff from the surrounding hills, creating a natural divide in the terrain.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in regional British dialects or historical literature; often appears in place names.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.