schmear
or schmeer
[ shmeer ]
nounSlang.
a dab, as of cream cheese, spread on a roll, bagel, or the like.
a number of related things, ideas, etc., resulting in a unified appearance, attitude, plan, or the like (usually used in the phrase the whole schmear).
a bribe.
Origin of schmear
1First recorded in 1930–35 for def. 5, and 1955–60 for def. 4; apparently from Yiddish shmirn “to smear, grease”; compare Middle High German smirwen (German schmieren ); see smear
- Also shmear, shmeer .
Words Nearby schmear
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use schmear in a sentence
All you need is a generous schmear of butter or your favorite olive oil for dipping, and you’re all set.
7 ideas for simple side dishes to round out dinner | Aaron Hutcherson | May 7, 2021 | Washington Post
British Dictionary definitions for schmear
schmear
schmeer
/ (ʃmɪə) /
noun
US informal a situation, matter, or affair (esp in the phrase the whole schmear)
Origin of schmear
1C20: from Yiddish shmirn to smear or grease
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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