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slip

v. · n.
US //ˈsɫɪp// UK //slˈɪp// slip
  1. 1 to slide by accident (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to slide suddenly and lose your balance, usually on a wet or smooth surface.

    to lose traction on a surface, resulting in an involuntary sliding movement.

    Example

    Be careful not to slip on the icy pavement outside the shop.

    Example

    The hiker slipped on the loose scree, narrowly avoiding a dangerous fall into the ravine below.
  2. 2 to move quietly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to move somewhere quickly and quietly so that people do not notice you.

    to move or pass with a smooth, quiet, or secretive motion to avoid detection.

    Example

    She tried to slip out of the room before the meeting ended.

    Example

    He managed to slip through the crowd unnoticed, disappearing into the narrow alleyways of the old city.

    Usage

    Often used with prepositions like 'into', 'out of', or 'away'.
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  1. 3 to give secretly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to give something to someone quickly and secretly.

    to pass an object to another person in a discreet or covert manner.

    Example

    The witness slipped a note to the lawyer during the trial.

    Example

    The informant slipped the microfilm into the agent's pocket while they stood together at the crowded bar.

    Usage

    Takes a direct object and an indirect object.
  2. 4 to decline or worsen (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to fall to a lower level or become worse.

    to decline in quality, value, or standard; to move into a worse state.

    Example

    The company's profits began to slip after the new competitor arrived.

    Example

    Standards of service at the hotel have slipped significantly since the change in management last year.
  3. 5 a small mistake (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a small mistake, especially one caused by not paying attention.

    a minor or accidental error, often resulting from a temporary lapse in concentration.

    Example

    It was just a small slip, but it changed the meaning of the whole sentence.

    Example

    The accountant's minor slip in the final calculations resulted in a discrepancy of several thousand pounds.

    Teacher's tip

    Often used in the phrase 'a slip of the tongue' for a speaking mistake.
  4. 6 a piece of paper (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a small, thin piece of paper, often used for a specific purpose like a receipt.

    a small strip or piece of paper, typically used for records, forms, or brief notes.

    Example

    Please write your phone number on this slip of paper.

    Example

    The librarian handed him a yellow slip indicating that his requested book had finally arrived.
  5. 7 clothing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a light piece of clothing worn under a dress or skirt.

    a woman's undergarment intended to provide a smooth silhouette or prevent outer garments from clinging.

    Example

    She wore a silk slip under her lace dress to make it hang better.

    Example

    The vintage boutique specialised in silk slips and lace camisoles from the mid-twentieth century.
    • petticoat
    • underskirt
  6. 8 a boat's space (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Nautical

    a place where a boat is kept in a harbour.

    a docking space or berth for a vessel between two piers or in a boathouse.

    Example

    The yacht was safely moored in its slip before the storm arrived.

    Example

    The marina manager assigned the visiting catamaran to a wider slip near the fuel dock.
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