slather

UK: /ˈslæðə/ US: /ˈslæðɚ/ ,(slaᵺ′ər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

slath•er /ˈslæðɚ/   v. [~ + object]

1. Informal Terms to spread or apply thickly:
   to slather butter on toast.
2. Informal Terms to spread something thickly on:
   to slather toast with butter.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

slath•er  (slaᵺ′ər), [Informal.]
v.t. 

1. Informal Terms to spread or apply thickly:
   to slather butter on toast.
2. Informal Terms to spread something thickly on (usually fol. by with):
   to slather toast with butter.
3. Informal Terms to spend or use lavishly.

n. 

4. Informal Terms Often, slathers. a generous amount:
   slathers of money.
5. Informal Terms, British Terms open slather, [Australian.] complete freedom.

• origin, originally uncertain 1810–20, in sense "to slip, slide''

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

slather / ˈslæðə/ noun

1. (usually plural) a large quantity
2. open slather ⇒ a situation in which there are no restrictions; free-for-all

Etymology: 19th Century: of unknown origin