spanking
Americanadjective
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moving rapidly and smartly.
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quick and vigorous.
a spanking pace.
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blowing briskly.
a spanking breeze.
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Informal. unusually fine, great, large, etc.; remarkable; distinctive.
a spanking monogram in gold embroidery.
adverb
adjective
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informal outstandingly fine, smart, large, etc
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quick and energetic; lively
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(esp of a breeze) fresh and brisk
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of spanking
1660–70; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish, Norwegian spanke, Swedish spånka to strut
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“When we’re launching a new movie like this, any time it’s brand spanking new, it takes a little more work to get retailers excited,” Lee said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2025
The spanking the 49ers took could do that.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 28, 2023
She debunks myths about spanking, including the idea that physical discipline of children has roots in Africa.
From Slate ● Apr. 21, 2023
When you have the American flag behind you, anybody can give a sharp, spanking speech.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 20, 2023
This may seem surprising—not because spanking it self is necessarily detrimental but because, conventionally speaking, spanking is considered an unenlightened practice.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
