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
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
She debunks myths about spanking, including the idea that physical discipline of children has roots in Africa.
From Slate ● Apr. 21, 2023
He looked at me like I was his spanking newborn baby and he did love me so, but feared the world would never be what any of us had hoped for.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
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.
