splat

¹ American  

[splat] / splæt /

noun

1. Also a broad, flat piece of wood, either pierced or solid, forming the center upright part of a chair back or the like.

2. a batten for covering joints between sheets of wallboard; panel strip.

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splat ² American  

[splat] / splæt /

noun

1. a sound made by splattering or slapping.

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splat ¹ British  

/ splæt /

noun

1. a wet slapping sound

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splat ² British  

/ splæt /

noun

1. a wide flat piece of wood, esp one that is the upright central part of a chair back

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Etymology

Origin of splat¹

1825–35; origin uncertain; compare Old English splātan to split

Origin of splat²

First recorded in 1895–1900; back formation from splatter

Example Sentences

“Maybe next week, a bald eagle will fall dead out of the sky and splat right on the White House lawn.”

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2025

The new logo for the Museum of London featuring a porcelain pigeon and a glittery poo splat is dividing opinion.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024

Plunging 12 stories in a building atrium, though, is just another bruising day on the job for Colt until, oops, he nearly goes splat.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

The reasoning for the portal emphasis is simple, Huffman says — the teams don’t want to enter their new conference with a splat.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024

He went down in the crick, full-length, with another almighty splat.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck