What does sliver mean?
A sliver is a very small, thin piece of something, such as glass, wood, metal, or bread. It may also describe a slight amount of a substance or quality, as in “a sliver of light.” The word is especially useful when the piece is long and narrow, though it can refer to any very small fragment. “Sliver” often conveys delicacy or insignificance rather than the sharpness associated with “splinter.” In figurative use, it can suggest a small quantity that is barely present, such as a sliver of hope or evidence. The related verb “sliver” means to split or cut something into long, thin pieces.
A small, thin piece of something, especially a narrow fragment split or cut from a larger material.
"A tiny sliver of glass lay beneath the chair."
Often used for a long, narrow piece or a small amount of something, such as a sliver of ice or a sliver of light.
To split or cut something into thin slivers.
"The knife slivered the carrot into long, delicate strips."
Less common than the noun and often used when the resulting pieces are long, narrow, and sharp-edged.
The plural is used for individual thin pieces or small fragments: “The broken mirror left slivers of glass across the floor.”
"Tiny slivers of chocolate decorate the dessert."
A sliver can be tiny enough to be almost invisible, but it is still a distinct piece of a larger whole.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sliver come from?
The word is attested in Middle English and has continued in English with its modern meaning of a thin or small piece. Its precise earlier origin is uncertain, and it is not usually traced with confidence to a widely accepted ancient root.
Related word forms
How sliver is actually used
“Sliver” is more commonly used for a thin, small fragment or a small quantity than for a substantial piece. In descriptions of food, it often suggests a narrow strip or shaving, such as a sliver of ham or lemon peel.
Easily confused with sliver
A sliver is generally a thin, small piece, whereas a splinter is a sharp, elongated fragment, often of wood, metal, or glass.