slink

[ slingk ]

verb (used without object)

slinkingslunk [sluhngk] or (Archaic) slank [slangk];slunk

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)

slunkslinkingslunk [sluhngk] or (Archaic) slank [slangk];

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

Meanwhile, in the distance, a group of wild horses ran right across the road as a coyote slunk out from a nearby ditch.

From Outside Online

Four years earlier, Senators Cruz, Paul, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham similarly chased the presidency but slinked back to the Senate in defeat.

From Time

The bodily systems that thrived and repaired themselves to ensure that we pass on healthy genes cease to function well and leave us to slink to the finish line the best we can.

From Nautilus

Mamet slinks away with the entire show, as she manages to deliver the chill and severity of an attorney looking out for her friend while never seeming soulless.

From Vox

One by one I pick them off, and slink back into the shadows.

From Time

Democrats can't slink away, or crouch, or cut and run against their own record.

From The Daily Beast

Jones, ever the charmer, proceeds to slink behind the desk and begin fake-hammering away at the keyboard.

From The Daily Beast

We began to slink outside, tentatively crossing the terrace.

From The Daily Beast

Truth is a torch, but one of enormous size; so that we slink past it in rather a blinking fashion for fear it should burn us.

From Project Gutenberg

And then I can paddle over to town nights, and slink around and pick up things I want.

From Project Gutenberg

The 199 Earls bade the whole multitude of their array slink down alongside the river.

From Project Gutenberg

In the face of such a defiance the clerical party must fight fairly, or slink away as cravens.

From Project Gutenberg

Poor Patti would get up in obedience to the order and slink out of the door with her ears drooping.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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