# slur

/ˈsɫɝ/ (US) · /slˈɜː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slur
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to speak unclearly

verb · CEFR B2

to speak in a way that is hard to understand because the sounds run together.

For teachers: to articulate speech sounds indistinctly, often by failing to separate words or syllables clearly.

- He was so tired that he started to slur his words.
- The witness began to slur his speech under the pressure of the cross-examination, making it difficult for the court reporter to maintain an accurate transcript.

### 2. to insult

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to say something insulting or unfair about someone to damage their reputation.

For teachers: to cast aspersions upon someone's character or to utter a derogatory remark intended to discredit.

- The politician was careful not to slur his opponent during the debate.
- The editorial was criticised for attempting to slur the reputation of the activist without providing any concrete evidence of wrongdoing.

### 3. to play notes smoothly

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to play or sing a group of musical notes smoothly without a break between them.

For teachers: to perform a sequence of notes in a legato style, ensuring a smooth transition without separate articulation.

- The teacher asked the violinist to slur the next four notes.
- The composer indicated that the woodwinds should slur the ascending scale to create a more fluid, ethereal atmosphere in the second movement.

### 4. an insulting word

noun · CEFR B2

a very offensive word or remark used to insult a person's race, religion, or background.

For teachers: a derogatory or insulting term, specifically one directed at a particular social, racial, or ethnic group.

- The player was banned for using a racial slur during the game.
- The use of a homophobic slur in the broadcast resulted in an immediate apology from the network and a formal investigation by the regulator.

### 5. a musical symbol

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a curved line over musical notes that shows they should be played smoothly.

For teachers: a curved line placed over or under a group of notes to indicate they are to be played legato.

- Make sure you follow the slur marked in the third measure.
- The pianist noted that the slur extended across the bar line, requiring a seamless connection between the two phrases.

## Examples

- The politician was criticized for using a racial slur.
- The journalist faced a lawsuit after publishing what the actor claimed was a malicious slur against his professional integrity.

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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.