English Reference
Noun

slasher

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈsɫæʃɝ/ UK /slˈæʃɐ/ slash·er UK spelling slashers Film Military

n.a person who uses a knife or other sharp tool to hurt or kill someone. It is a short, informal way to describe a killer in horror movies or a soldier with a weapon.

n.a person who uses a sharp instrument, such as a knife or sword, to inflict injury or death. Often used as a clipped form of 'slasher film' or 'slasher weapon' in informal contexts.


SIMPLE

The movie features a mysterious slasher who hides in the dark.

CONTEXTUAL

The security team was trained to identify a slasher in the crowd during the festival.

Esov likens Pinhead to a monk rather than a traditional slasher villain: calm, imposing and “almost trolling you”.

The Guardian· 26 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated