# sliver

/ˈsɫɪvɝ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sliver
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a very thin, narrow piece of something, like a piece of wood or metal. In fishing, it can also mean a small amount of food or bait.

For teachers: a thin, narrow strip or fragment of a material, such as wood, metal, or plastic. In a nautical or fishing context, it refers to a small quantity of food or bait.

## Examples

- He caught a small fish using a tiny sliver of bread.
- The old wooden boat was held together by a few thin slivers of oak that had been nailed into the hull.
- The captain noticed a sliver of moonlight reflecting off the water, which helped him navigate the narrow channel during the early hours of the morning.

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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.