spank
1[ spangk ]
/ spæŋk /
verb (used with object)
to strike (a person, usually a child) with the open hand, a slipper, etc., especially on the buttocks, as in punishment.
noun
a blow given in spanking; a smart or resounding slap.
QUIZZES
BECOME A PRO CHEF WITH THIS EXQUISITE CUISINE QUIZ!
Even if you can't be a professional chef, you can at least talk like one with this vocabulary quiz.
Question 1 of 9
You may have read the word "simmer" in a recipe or two, but what does it really mean?
Origin of spank
1First recorded in 1720–30; imitative
Words nearby spank
Definition for spank (2 of 2)
spank2
[ spangk ]
/ spæŋk /
verb (used without object)
to move rapidly, smartly, or briskly.
Origin of spank
2First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from spanking
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for spank
Just the night before the day of the Spank, Marthy had begun to teach her her religious education.
The Confessions of a Daddy|Ellis Parker ButlerBy dint of diligent bailing they had forced their crazy dory, towed by the equally crazy “Spank Me Again,” to carry them home.
Green Eyes|Roy J. SnellIn the morning I met Mr. Spank waiting for me at the entrance, and very desirous to see me.
Lorna Doone|R. D. Blackmore
British Dictionary definitions for spank (1 of 2)
spank1
/ (spæŋk) /
verb
(tr) to slap or smack with the open hand, esp on the buttocks
noun
a slap or series of slaps with the flat of the hand
Word Origin for spank
C18: probably of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for spank (2 of 2)
spank2
/ (spæŋk) /
verb
(intr) to go at a quick and lively pace
Word Origin for spank
C19: back formation from spanking ²
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