Slice means to cut something into thin, flat pieces. When you slice a loaf of bread, you cut through it to make individual pieces for sandwiches. When a chef slices tomatoes or onions, she uses a sharp knife to create thin, even pieces. The slices themselves are the pieces you've created: a slice of pizza, a slice of cake, or a slice of cheese.

In sports, slice describes hitting a ball so it curves sideways through the air. A tennis player might accidentally slice the ball, sending it spinning off to the side instead of straight ahead. In golf, slicing the ball means hitting it so it curves sharply to the right (for right-handed players), often sending it into the rough or the woods.

The word also appears in the phrase slice of life, which describes a story or moment that shows ordinary, everyday experiences. A slice-of-life movie might show a regular family having dinner, dealing with homework, or talking about their day. It captures real life without dramatic adventures or special effects.

You can also slice through something figuratively, like when a boat slices through calm water or when someone's sharp comment slices through a group's comfortable mood.