# slain

/ˈsɫeɪn/ (US) · /slˈeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slain
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. killed in battle

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

killed in a violent way, usually in a war or a story.

For teachers: killed or murdered, particularly in a violent or ritualistic manner. Often used in historical or mythological contexts.

- The story tells of a brave knight who mourned his slain friends after the battle.
- The poet lamented the fate of the slain warriors, whose names were destined to be forgotten by the very kingdom they died to protect.

Usage: Usually appears before the noun it describes.

### 2. the dead

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

people who have been killed in a war or a violent event.

For teachers: a collective plural noun referring to those who have been killed. Always used with the definite article 'the'.

- After the great battle, the families came to identify the slain.
- The field was silent as the survivors gathered to bury the slain under the shadow of the ancient oaks.

Usage: Functions as a collective noun and takes a plural verb.

## Examples

- The hero was slain in the final battle.
- The ancient king was slain by his own brother during the feast.
- Though the hero was slain by the dragon's fire, his spirit lived on in the songs of the village elders.

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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.