splitting

American  

[split-ing] / ˈsplɪt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. being split or causing something to split.

2. violent or severe, as a headache.

3. very fast or rapid.

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noun

1. Usually splittings. a part or fragment that has been split off from something.

   Some cavemen made their smaller tools from the splittings of stone.

splitting British  

/ ˈsplɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a headache) intolerably painful; acute

2. (of the head) assailed by an overpowering unbearable pain

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noun

1. psychoanal the Freudian defence mechanism in which an object or idea (or, alternatively, the ego) is separated into two or more parts in order to remove its threatening meaning

Other Word Forms

• antisplitting adjective

Etymology

Origin of splitting

First recorded in 1585–95; split + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

There was no real expectation of splitting the winnings, and the money wouldn’t be particularly meaningful to her.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

In reality, Reyes has been splitting her time on set with another ABC workplace drama.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Ainslie told the BBC last year that splitting with Ineos after the "fallout" was "a difficult decision" but stemmed from "different opinions on how to move forwards with the team".

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

To make their jumbo deals palatable to the most possible investors, big companies are splitting up their deals into more pieces than ever before.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

My stomach hurt and my head was splitting in two, but I put on my robe and let her in.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• breakdown
• disintegration
• dissolution
• divorce
• separation
• split
• termination