slum

The definition of a slum is a house or a neighborhood that is in poor condition and that is generally considered unsafe and not nice to live or be in.

(noun)

  1. A dangerous and dirty part of town is an example of a slum.
  2. A building that is falling down and in disrepair is an example of a slum.

To slum is to engage in behavior or hang out with people below your social class.

(verb)

When a rich person goes to spend time in a really poor neighborhood, this is an example of a time when he slums.

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See slum in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a usually heavily populated area of a city, characterized by poverty, poor housing, etc.
  2. something considered to be like a slum, as in being dilapidated or dirty

Origin: c. 1800 < cant: orig. sense, a room < ?

intransitive verb slummed, slumming

to visit or tour slums, esp. for reasons held to be condescending

Related Forms:

See slum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A heavily populated urban area characterized by substandard housing and squalor. Often used in the plural.
intransitive verb slummed slummed, slum·ming, slums
To visit impoverished areas or squalid locales, especially out of curiosity or for amusement.

Origin:

Origin: Origin unknown

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Related Forms:

  • slumˈmer noun
  • slumˈmy adjective

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