sloe

noun

: the small dark globose astringent fruit of the blackthorn
also : blackthorn

Examples of sloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These seasonal traditions, these sloes: a portal into the past, the future. Lottie Hazell, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sloe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English slo, from Old English slāh; akin to Old High German slēha sloe and probably to Russian sliva plum — more at livid

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sloe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sloe

Cite this Entry

“Sloe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sloe. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sloe

noun
: the tart bluish black globe-shaped fruit of the blackthorn
also : blackthorn

More from Merriam-Webster on sloe

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