smack dab

American  

[smak-dab] / ˈsmækˈdæb /

Or smack-dab

adverb

Informal.

1. directly; squarely.

   smack dab in the middle.

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Etymology

Origin of smack dab

First recorded in 1890–95; smack ² ( def. ) (in the sense “directly, straight”) + dab ¹ ( def. ) (in the sense “a quick, light blow,” used adverbially)

Example Sentences

Already in her still relatively short career, Elle Fanning has managed to position herself smack dab in the center of these two polarities, the perfect combination of classic Hollywood and new age celebrity.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

“We don’t want to live in fear, so we make ourselves useful working for organizations that move the scale away from fear and put us smack dab in the middle of love.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 14, 2025

“This is smack dab in the middle of the growing season so anything that was ready to harvest was pulled. Whatever was left was lost,” Guild said.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2023

And smack dab in the middle, sits Disney World.

From Slate • May 2, 2023

“Oh, sir—” the lieutenant grinned—“a lovely spot. Safest place on the battlefield. Right smack dab in the center of the line. Very quiet there.”

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara