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

It’s been 20 years since Three Kings, Russell’s confident foray into studio film-making after the indie comedies Spanking the Monkey and Flirting with Disaster, stormed into theaters.

From The Guardian • Oct. 1, 2019

Q. Spanking Issues: My ex-husband recently remarried a woman with two kids.

From Slate • Sep. 19, 2012

Spanking new Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton is the nation's most computerized, automated and flexible institution of higher education; at Florida State University in Tallahassee, a frustrated president is all set to leave.

From Time Magazine Archive