Slug Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slug

[slʌɡ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal

A slimy creature with no shell, often found in gardens and forests. Slugs move slowly, leaving a trail of slime behind them.

Synonyms

gastropod, mollusk, snail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slug	Commonly used to refer to the shell-less gastropod that is found in gardens and damp places; it can also mean a lazy person or to hit someone hard, often used in slang. I found a slug in the garden today. Don't be a slug, get up and help! He decided to slug his opponent in the face.
snail	Commonly used to describe gastropods with a coiled shell, often found in gardens or aquatic environments. It can also metaphorically describe someone who moves very slowly. The snail moved slowly across the leaf. He works at a snail's pace.
mollusk	A broader scientific term to describe a large group of invertebrates that includes gastropods like slugs and snails, as well as other creatures like octopuses. Often used in marine biology. Mollusks are fascinating creatures that include snails, slugs, and octopuses. She’s studying the diversity of mollusks in the coral reef.
gastropod	A scientific term to describe a large class of mollusks, which includes both slugs and snails, often used in biology. Gastropods have a coiled shell in some species, like snails. The study focused on various types of gastropods.

Examples of usage

They found a slug in the garden after the rain.
The children were fascinated by the slugs they discovered in the forest.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

bullet

A solid projectile fired from a firearm. Slugs are typically made of metal and are used for hunting or self-defense purposes.

Synonyms

ammunition, bullet, projectile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slug	Used in the context of bullets, particularly large-sized bullets intended for shotguns. It can also mean a small, slimy creature, like a snail without a shell, in everyday language. In informal slang, it can mean a strong strike or hit. He loaded a slug into his shotgun. The garden is full of slugs after the rain. He gave him a slug in the arm.
bullet	Refers to the small metal projectile for small arms (like pistols and rifles). It is also used colloquially in phrases related to decisiveness or drastic action. He found an old bullet in the dirt while hiking. It's time to bite the bullet and make a decision.
projectile	A general term for any object thrown or propelled for use as a weapon. Can be used in physics and military contexts. The trebuchet launched a huge projectile over the castle walls. The scientists studied the path of the projectile.
ammunition	A broad term used for any material fired, scattered, dropped, or detonated from any weapon. Also used in metaphorical sense to mean arguments or information used to engage in a debate. The soldiers carried enough ammunition for the entire battle. She armed herself with plenty of ammunition for the debate.

Examples of usage

The hunter loaded his gun with a slug for deer hunting.
The police found a slug at the crime scene.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'slug'

The word 'slug' has a long history, originally used to describe a counterfeit coin. Over time, it evolved to refer to a slimy creature, and later to a type of bullet. The term 'slug' has also been used in various slang contexts, such as a lazy person or a shot of alcohol. The diverse meanings of 'slug' reflect its complex etymology.

See also: slugabed, sluggard, slugger, sluggish.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,742, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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