spanking
[ spang-king ]
/ ˈspæŋ kɪŋ /
adjective
moving rapidly and smartly.
quick and vigorous: a spanking pace.
blowing briskly: a spanking breeze.
Informal. unusually fine, great, large, etc.; remarkable; distinctive: a spanking monogram in gold embroidery.
adverb
Informal. extremely, strikingly, or remarkably; very: three little girls in spanking new dresses.
RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
spanish windlass, spanish-american, spanish-american war, spank, spanker, spanking, spanner, spanrail, spanspek, spansule, spanworm
Origin of spanking
1660–70; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish, Norwegian spanke, Swedish spånka to strut
Related forms
spank·ing·ly, adverbDefinition for spanking (2 of 3)
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.
Origin of spank
1First recorded in 1720–30; imitative
Definition for spanking (3 of 3)
spank
2[ 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. 2019
Examples from the Web for spanking
In this collection of essays, start with section one, “Spanking and Other Sexual Detours.”
"Spanking is too expensive nowadays," pertly added the girl, who wore her hair like a pianist.
Painted Veils|James HunekerHes told us about how he sailed in the Spanking Sal and lost his leg fighting pirates.
The Corner House Girls Under Canvas|Grace Brooks Hill
British Dictionary definitions for spanking (1 of 4)
spanking
1/ (ˈspæŋkɪŋ) /
noun
a series of spanks, esp on the buttocks, usually as a punishment for children
British Dictionary definitions for spanking (2 of 4)
spanking
2/ (ˈspæŋkɪŋ) /
adjective (prenominal)
informal outstandingly fine, smart, large, etc
quick and energetic; lively
(esp of a breeze) fresh and brisk
Word Origin for spanking
C17: of uncertain origin. Compare Danish spanke to strut
British Dictionary definitions for spanking (3 of 4)
spank
1/ (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 spanking (4 of 4)
spank
2/ (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
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