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

Syd, unaccustomed to elevators, let alone crowded ones, had to be pulled in, then splat like a cartoon character on the floor each time there was a shift down.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 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

Personally, Ms. Bothwell thinks it’s a squirrel: “I don’t think a rat would jump and splat like that,” she said.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2024

But instead of the late season boom they were hoping for, the Seahawks’ season ends with a disappointing splat.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 7, 2024

“One splat too many. They gave up. Now I’m a ward of the Thunderhead.”

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman