spanking

American  

[spang-king] / ˈspæŋ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. moving rapidly and smartly.

2. quick and vigorous.

   a spanking pace.

3. blowing briskly.

   a spanking breeze.

4. Informal. unusually fine, great, large, etc.; remarkable; distinctive.

   a spanking monogram in gold embroidery.

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adverb

1. Informal. extremely, strikingly, or remarkably; very.

   three little girls in spanking new dresses.

spanking ¹ British  

/ ˈspæŋkɪŋ /

adjective

1. informal outstandingly fine, smart, large, etc

2. quick and energetic; lively

3. (esp of a breeze) fresh and brisk

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spanking ² British  

/ ˈspæŋkɪŋ /

noun

1. a series of spanks, esp on the buttocks, usually as a punishment for children

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Other Word Forms

• spankingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of spanking

1660–70; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish, Norwegian spanke, Swedish spånka to strut

Example Sentences

“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 7-0 spanking in September - described as "rock-bottom" by a Shanghai-based newspaper – followed a year-long line of humiliating defeats which included losses to Oman, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2025

The spanking the 49ers took could do that.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2023

She delivered sharp, spanking speeches to Iran, Russia and China at the United Nations for grown-ups?

From Washington Times • Feb. 20, 2023

For once more Yankee Doodle was going to town on a spanking stallion, with that forlorn feather in his cap, asking those unmilitary questions.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes