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

Derived 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

As a parent, it was important to April that she did things differently than her own father, and although spanking was commonplace in the 1990s, April never laid a hand on Hunter.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2024

The spanking the 49ers took could do that.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2023

Still, Judge Alia Moses had delivered a serious spanking to the federal government, saying it was wrong in arguing it had to cut the wire to carry out its mission to apprehend and detain migrants.

From Washington Times • Dec. 19, 2023

The aerodrome was so spanking new that the mechanics there were happy to have an extra pair of capable hands around.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein