slink

[ slingk ]

verb (used without object)

slunkslunk [sluhngk] or (Archaic) slank [slangk];slinking

1. to move or go in a furtive, abject manner, as from fear, cowardice, or shame.

   Synonyms: lurk, sneak, skulk

2. to walk or move in a slow, sinuous, provocative way.

verb (used with object)

slunkslunk [sluhngk] or (Archaic) slank [slangk];slinking

1. (especially of cows) to bring forth (young) prematurely.

noun

1. a prematurely born calf or other animal.

adjective

1. born prematurely:

   a slink calf.

slink

/ slɪŋk /

verb

1. intr to move or act in a furtive or cringing manner from or as if from fear, guilt, etc
2. intr to move in a sinuous alluring manner
3. tr (of animals, esp cows) to give birth to prematurely

noun

1. 1. an animal, esp a calf, born prematurely
   2. ( as modifier )

      slink veal

Other Words From

• slinking·ly adverb
• outslink verb (used with object) outslunk outslinking
• un·slinking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slink¹

First recorded before 1150; Middle English slynken (verb), Old English slincan “to creep, crawl”; cognate with Low German slinken, German schlinken

Word History and Origins

Origin of slink¹

Old English slincan; related to Middle Low German slinken to shrink, Old Swedish slinka to creep, Danish slunken limp

Example Sentences

Once, coming down the hillside, I was stopped by a family of coyotes slinking across the trail.

From Los Angeles Times

But Maryland kept climbing back, while USC slunk away in the second half.

From Los Angeles Times

Keepers realised within minutes the springer spaniel-sized rodent had slunk off to an adjacent area of long grass and woodland, and began to stake it out.

From BBC

But Harris didn’t leave it to the imagination, outlining a litany of barbarities that await should Trump slink back into the Oval Office: Journalists and his political opponents jailed.

From Los Angeles Times

Humberto Leon slinks around set wearing a faded T-shirt that says “Daddy” in bubble letters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lurk
• meander
• prowl
• sidle
• skitter
• skulk
• slither
• sneak
• undulate