Slithering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the movement of snakes or other creatures that move in a twisting, wriggling manner.

• The snake was slithering through the grass
• The worm slithered across the wet pavement

Used to describe a smooth, continuous movement without apparent effort or resistance, often through air or on a smooth surface.

• The eagle glided gracefully across the sky
• She watched the skater glide across the ice

Used to describe the movement of someone or something moving forward on hands and knees, or the slow movement of an insect.

• Baby Emma started to crawl across the floor
• The spider crawled up the wall

Used to describe moving smoothly and quietly in a way that suggests stealth, often with a connotation of being sneaky or avoiding attention.

• The cat slinked through the garden, unnoticed
• He tried to slink away from the scene

Used to describe moving smoothly along a surface while maintaining contact with it, often due to reduced friction.

• The children liked to slide down the icy hill
• She accidentally dropped the plate, and it slid off the table

This is used to describe smooth, winding movements, often associated with snakes or something snake-like. It can have a slightly negative or creepy connotation.

• The snake was slithering through the grass.
• He felt a chill as he saw something slithering towards him in the darkness.

Use this to describe smooth and graceful movements through the air or across a surface, often effortless and elegant, like a bird or ice skater.

• The seagull was gliding effortlessly over the ocean.
• She was gliding on the ice, making it look so easy.

This is best used when something or someone is moving very slowly on hands and knees or with many small legs. It can describe babies, insects, or people in tight spaces.

• The baby is crawling on the floor.
• The spider was crawling up the wall.

This describes moving slowly and quietly, often with a sense of secrecy or fear. It can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting stealth or shame.

• The cat was slinking through the shadows.
• He slinked away after being caught in the act.

This is suitable for movements where something or someone moves smoothly along a surface, often with reduced friction, like on ice or a slide.

• The child was sliding down the playground slide.
• The papers kept sliding off the desk.