Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


spanking

spank′ing

,
Adj.
1.
Moving with a quick, lively pace, or capable of so doing; dashing.
Four
spanking
grays ready harnessed.
G. Colman, the Younger.
2.
Large; considerable.
[Colloq.]

Webster 1828 Edition


Spanking

SPANK'ING

, ppr.
1.
Striking with the open hand
2.
a. Large; stout. [Vulgar.]

Definition 2024


spanking

spanking

English

Verb

spanking

  1. present participle of spank

Noun

spanking (plural spankings)

  1. A form of physical punishment in which a beating is applied to the buttocks.
    Domestic spanking is often endured over the knee (or lap), formal spanking rather applied over a contraption such as a tresle or A-frame, with or without constraints
  2. An incident of such punishment, or such physical act in a non-punitive context, such as a birthday spanking.
    • 2001, John Rosemond, John Rosemond's New Parent Power!‎
      Some people think spankings of any sort constitute child abuse.

Related terms

Translations

Adjective

spanking (not comparable)

  1. Fast and energetic.
    a spanking pace
    • James Joyce
      I'd like nothing better this minute, said Mr Browne stoutly, than a rattling fine walk in the country or a fast drive with a good spanking goer between the shafts.
  2. (often nautical) Brisk and fresh.
    a spanking breeze
  3. remarkable of its kind.
    a spanking good time

Synonyms

Adverb

spanking (not comparable)

  1. (colloquial, now usually with “new”) An intensifier.
    brand spanking new

References

  • spanking” in Dictionary.com Unabridged, v1.0.1, Lexico Publishing Group, 2006.
  • spanking” in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Online.