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

Sharon Schmeling, one of the couple’s children, said her father told her the surgery went well and that her mother had a “brand spanking new knee.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

The spanking the 49ers took could do that.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2023

She debunks myths about spanking, including the idea that physical discipline of children has roots in Africa.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2023

When you have the American flag behind you, anybody can give a sharp, spanking speech.

From Washington Times • Feb. 20, 2023

Purple-faced Mr. Cranston on his feet, half strangled by his collar, miserable in his spanking new tailcoat with the too-long sleeves.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck