Slide vs. Slider: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 18, 2023
A "slide" refers to a flat piece or movement, while a "slider" is a mechanism or control that slides.

Key Differences
Slide often refers to a flat piece of material, typically rectangular, that is used for displaying information, especially in presentations. For instance, in a PowerPoint presentation, each visual page is termed as a slide. In contrast, a slider generally pertains to a mechanism or control, often found in electronic devices or software, that moves or can be moved linearly to adjust or select a value.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
In a more physical context, to slide is the action of moving smoothly along a surface, often with continuous contact. Children might slide down a playground slide, which is an inclined plane designed for play. Conversely, a slider can refer to something or someone that slides, particularly in the context of sports. For example, in baseball, a slider is a type of pitch.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
From a technological standpoint, a slide might be an individual frame or image in a slideshow or a filmstrip. It's meant for projection onto a screen. Meanwhile, a slider in technology, especially in user interfaces, allows users to adjust values by moving a knob or level across a scale, like adjusting the brightness on a screen.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Slide can also be used metaphorically, referring to a decrease or deterioration in quality, value, or condition, as in "a slide in performance." On the other hand, slider in some regions might refer to a small sandwich or burger, typically smaller than the regular size.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Historically, a slide might refer to a flat piece of glass onto which an object is placed for examination under a microscope. Conversely, a slider in some windows is a pane that moves horizontally to open and close the window.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A flat piece or movement.
A mechanism or control that slides.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Physical Context
The action of moving smoothly on a surface.
Something or someone that slides.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Technological Context
An individual frame or image in a slideshow.
A control in user interfaces to adjust values.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Metaphorical Use
Refers to a decrease or deterioration.
Refers to a small sandwich or burger.

Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Historical Reference
A piece of glass for microscope examination.
A pane in windows that moves horizontally.

Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Slide and Slider Definitions
Slide
An individual frame in a slideshow.
This slide shows the quarterly sales.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Slider
Something or someone that slides, especially in sports.
He threw a perfect slider in the last inning.

Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Slider
A mechanism or control that slides.
The volume slider on the speaker is quite smooth.

Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Slide
To participate in a sport that involves such movement
Sliding for a medal in luge.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Slider
A control in software to adjust values.
Use the brightness slider to adjust the screen's luminance.

Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Slider
A moving pane in a window.
The slider in the living room window is jammed.

Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Slide
To pass smoothly and quietly; glide
Slid past the door without anyone noticing.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(Baseball) To drop down from a running into a lying or diving position when approaching a base so as to avoid being tagged out.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
(Baseball) A fast pitch released with the index and middle fingers close together and slightly off center so that it breaks in the same direction as a curve ball as it approaches the plate.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
A small hamburger served on a small bun, usually as a snack or appetizer.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
Any of various turtles of the genus Trachemys, especially T. scripta subsp. elegans of North America, having a red stripe behind the eye and often kept as a pet.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To become less favorable or less desirable
Economic conditions have begun to slide.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To cause to slide or slip
Slid the glass down to the other end of the counter.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To place covertly or deftly
Slid the stolen merchandise into his pocket.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
(baseball) A pitch thrown with added pressure by middle and ring fingers yielding a combination of backspin and sidespin, resulting in a motion to the left when thrown by a right handed pitcher.
The closer had a wicked slider that was almost unhittable.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
(cricket) A similar delivery in which the wrist and ring finger work to impart backspin to the ball.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A playground apparatus for children to slide on, typically consisting of a smooth chute climbed onto by means of a ladder.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
(curling) A piece of Teflon or similar material attached to a curling shoe that allows the player to slide along the ice.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A part that operates by sliding, as the U-shaped section of tube on a trombone that is moved to change the pitch.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
The movable part of a zip fastener that opens or closes the row of teeth.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A period of decline or loss
"The semiconductor industry is heading for a cyclical slide" (New York Times).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
(GUI) A widget allowing the user to select a value or position on a sliding scale.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
One of a series of images projected digitally as part of a presentation.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
The red-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys rubriventris, syn. Pseudemys rugosa).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A small glass plate for mounting specimens to be examined under a microscope.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
(skydiving) A rectangle of fabric that helps produce an orderly parachute deployment.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A fall of a mass of rock, earth, or snow down a slope; an avalanche or landslide.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A slight portamento used in violin playing, passing quickly from one note to another.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
An ornamentation consisting of two grace notes approaching the main note.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
One who, or that which, slides; especially, a sliding part of an instrument or machine.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A small metal or glass tube worn over a finger or held in the hand, used in playing bottleneck-style guitar.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
Any of several North American freshwater turtles of the genus Chrysemis; some, such as C. scripta are sold commercially as pets.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(ergative) To (cause to) move in continuous contact with a surface.
He slid the boat across the grass.
The safe slid slowly.
Snow slides down the side of a mountain.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
A fast pitch that breaks slightly just in front of the batter, in the same direction as a curve ball (i. e. , away from the side from which it was thrown).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(intransitive) To move on a low-friction surface.
The car slid on the ice.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(intransitive) To lose one’s balance on a slippery surface.
He slid while going around the corner.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
Freshwater turtle of United States and South America; frequently raised commercially; some young sold as pets

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(transitive) To pass or put imperceptibly; to slip.
To alter the meaning of a question by sliding in a word
Schoolchildren sometimes slide each other notes during class.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
A fastball that curves slightly away from the side from which it was thrown

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(transitive) To subtly direct a facial expression at (someone).
He slid me a dirty look.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slider
A small sandwich or burger.
I ordered a set of beef sliders for appetizers.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Slide
(intransitive) To pass along smoothly or unobservedly; to move gently onward without friction or hindrance.
A ship or boat slides through the water.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To decrease in amount or value.
The stock market slid yesterday after major stocks released weak quarterly results.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(music) To smoothly pass from one note to another by bending the pitch upwards or downwards.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(regional) To ride down snowy hills upon a toboggan or similar object for recreation.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(soccer) To kick so that the ball slides along the ground with little or no turning.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
An item of play equipment that children can climb up and then slide down again.
The long, red slide was great fun for the kids.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A surface of ice, snow, butter, etc. on which someone can slide for amusement or as a practical joke.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
The falling of large amounts of rubble, earth and stones down the slope of a hill or mountain; avalanche.
The slide closed the highway.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
An inclined plane on which heavy bodies slide by the force of gravity, especially one constructed on a mountainside for conveying logs by sliding them down.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
The act of sliding; smooth, even passage or progress.
A slide on the ice

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(photography) A transparent plate bearing an image to be projected to a screen.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A page of a computer presentation package such as PowerPoint.
I still need to prepare some slides for my presentation tomorrow.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(sciences) A flat, usually rectangular piece of glass or similar material on which a prepared sample may be viewed through a microscope Generally referred to as a microscope slide.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A hand-held device made of smooth, hard material, used in the practice of slide guitar.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(music) A grace consisting of two or more small notes moving by conjoint degrees, and leading to a principal note either above or below.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(phonetics) A sound which, by a gradual change in the position of the vocal organs, passes imperceptibly into another sound.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(speech therapy) A voluntary stutter used as a technique to control stuttering in one's speech.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To move along the surface of any body by slipping, or without walking or rolling; to slip; to glide; as, snow slides down the mountain's side.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
Especially, to move over snow or ice with a smooth, uninterrupted motion, as on a sled moving by the force of gravity, or on the feet.
They bathe in summer, and in winter slide.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To pass along smoothly or unobservedly; to move gently onward without friction or hindrance; as, a ship or boat slides through the water.
Ages shall slide away without perceiving.
Parts answering parts shall slide into a whole.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To slip when walking or standing; to fall.
Their foot shall slide in due time.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To pass from one note to another with no perceptible cassation of sound.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To pass out of one's thought as not being of any consequence.
With good hope let he sorrow slide.
With a calm carelessness letting everything slide.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To cause to slide; to thrust along; as, to slide one piece of timber along another.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To pass or put imperceptibly; to slip; as, to slide in a word to vary the sense of a question.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A plate or slip of glass on which is a picture or delineation to be exhibited by means of a magic lantern, stereopticon, or the like; a plate on which is an object to be examined with a microscope.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
The descent of a mass of earth, rock, or snow down a hill or mountain side; as, a land slide, or a snow slide; also, the track of bare rock left by a land slide.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A grace consisting of two or more small notes moving by conjoint degrees, and leading to a principal note either above or below.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A sound which, by a gradual change in the position of the vocal organs, passes imperceptibly into another sound.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
(music) rapid sliding up or down the musical scale;
The violinist was indulgent with his swoops and slides

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
The act of moving smoothly along a surface while remaining in contact with it;
His slide didn't stop until the bottom of the hill
The children lined up for a coast down the snowy slope

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
Move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner;
The wheels skidded against the sidewalk

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
To pass or move unobtrusively or smoothly;
They slid through the wicket in the big gate

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
Move smoothly along a surface;
He slid the money over to the other gambler

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Slide
A flat piece used for displaying information.
I have prepared 20 slides for my presentation.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Slide
The action of moving smoothly on a surface.
The child had fun on the slide at the park.

Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Slide
A decrease or deterioration in value.
There's been a slide in the stock prices.

Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Slide
A piece of glass for microscope examination.
Place the sample on the slide for observation.

Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
FAQs
Can "slide" refer to a decline?
Yes, "slide" can mean a decrease or deterioration, like in stock prices.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can a slider control volume?
Yes, many devices have volume sliders to adjust sound levels.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can one "slide" in dancing?
Yes, sliding movements are common in many dance forms.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Are slides only used in presentations?
No, slides can also refer to individual frames in filmstrips or items for microscopy.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
What material is typically used for microscope slides?
Glass is the most common material for microscope slides.

Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Is a "slider" always smaller than regular size?
Often in the context of food, like burgers, a "slider" is smaller than the regular size.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Are slides always flat?
While slides are typically flat, especially in presentations, the term can also refer to inclined planes in playgrounds.

Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are sliders limited to technology and food?
No, the term "slider" can also refer to moving parts in various mechanisms, like windows.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "slider" refer to a type of pitch in baseball?
Yes, a "slider" is a type of pitch in baseball known for its lateral movement.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Do all sliders move?
Typically, yes. A slider usually refers to a movable mechanism or control.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can a slider be vertical?
Yes, sliders can be oriented vertically or horizontally.

Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Is "slide" used in photography?
Yes, it can refer to a transparency or individual frame in a filmstrip.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Are sliders interactive in digital interfaces?
Yes, users can interact with sliders to adjust values in digital interfaces.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "slide" mean to move without effort?
Yes, "slide" can suggest moving smoothly and effortlessly, like sliding into a comfortable position.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Does "slide" always indicate a downward movement?
No, "slide" primarily means smooth movement, which can be in any direction.

Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can sliders be used in music?
Yes, some musical instruments, like slide trombones or guitars, utilize sliders or sliding techniques.

Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can "slide" indicate slipping?
Yes, to "slide" can mean to unintentionally slip, like on ice.

Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Are sliders always manual?
No, while many sliders are manually adjusted, some, especially in digital interfaces, can be automated.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Can "slide" refer to a method of transportation?
Not typically, though the action of sliding, like on sleds, can be a mode of movement.

Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are sliders present in websites?
Yes, many websites use slider controls for interactive features or image carousels.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
