# splinter

/ˈspɫɪntɝ/ (US) · /splˈɪntɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/splinter
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a small, sharp piece of wood, glass, or metal that breaks off a larger object. It can get stuck under your skin and feel painful.

For teachers: a small, thin, sharp fragment of a material such as wood, glass, or metal, typically detached from a larger mass by force.

## Examples

- I got a splinter in my finger while fixing the wooden fence.
- The old wooden floor was so worn that walking barefoot often resulted in a painful splinter.
- The impact of the projectile caused the timber to shatter, sending splinters flying across the room and posing a significant hazard to anyone nearby.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verb 'get' or 'remove'.

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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.