# slay

/ˈsɫeɪ/ (US) · /slˈeɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slay
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to do something exceptionally well or look very impressive. You use this when someone succeeds at something or has a great outfit.

For teachers: to perform exceptionally well or to look impressively stylish. In modern usage, it is often used intransitively to express admiration for someone's success or appearance.

## Examples

- You absolutely slay in that dress!
- She worked hard on her presentation and completely managed to slay the audience with her confidence.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She slayed the dragon (modern slang context)" but "She slew the dragon / She slayed that performance" — The irregular past tense 'slew' is used for the literal meaning of killing, while the regular 'slayed' is standard for the modern slang meaning of succeeding.

## Usage notes

- In its slang sense, it is frequently used as an exclamation or an intransitive verb to denote excellence.

---

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.