dash
DASH
Dash (verb) means to run or move quickly, usually for a short distance. Example: “When the rain started, we dashed into the nearest shop for cover.”
verb
1
To run or move quickly, usually for a short distance.
"When the rain started, we dashed into the nearest shop for cover."
"She dashed to the station to catch the last train."
"He dashed across the road without looking."
2
To destroy or ruin something, especially hopes or plans.
"The bad weather dashed our plans for a picnic in the park."
"Months of poor results dashed any chance the team had of promotion."
"The injury dashed his hopes of competing in the final."
noun
1
A short horizontal line used in punctuation, or a small added amount of something.
"The recipe needs only a dash of salt at the end."
"Add a dash of lemon juice to the sauce."
"She used a dash instead of a comma in that sentence."
How to use dash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move very fast, to wreck something (like hopes), or a small quantity of an ingredient — or the punctuation mark "—".
Common pairings
dash for the door
dash someone's hopes
a dash of salt
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dash.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- dashes
- Past tense
- dashed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
When the rain started, we _____ into the nearest shop for cover.
Etymology
From Middle English daschen, related to Scandinavian words for slapping or striking — the sense of "smashing" or "throwing violently" came first, with "running quickly" and the punctuation mark developing later.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dash
See all rhymes for dash →Frequently asked questions
What does “dash” mean?
The word “dash” means to run or move quickly, usually for a short distance. In plain terms, to move very fast, to wreck something (like hopes), or a small quantity of an ingredient — or the punctuation mark "—".
How do you pronounce “dash”?
“Dash” is pronounced DASH (/ˈdæʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dash” in a sentence?
Here is “dash” used in a sentence: “She dashed to the station to catch the last train.”
What part of speech is “dash”?
Depending on how it is used, “dash” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “dash” come from?
The word “dash” comes from Middle English. From Middle English daschen, related to Scandinavian words for slapping or striking — the sense of "smashing" or "throwing violently" came first, with "running quickly" and the punctuation mark developing later.
Is “dash” a common word?
“Dash” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dash” have?
“Dash” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to run or move quickly, usually for a short distance.
What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?
A hyphen (-) is a short mark that joins words or parts of words, as in "well-known". A dash is a longer horizontal line used to set off part of a sentence, mark a range, or show a break in thought. In short: hyphens connect, dashes separate.
What is the difference between an em dash and an en dash?
An en dash (–) is roughly the width of the letter N and typically marks ranges, such as "pages 10–20". An em dash (—) is longer and sets off interruptions or added information within a sentence. Both are dashes, distinguished by length and function.
How much is a dash in cooking?
In recipes, a dash is a small added amount of an ingredient — a quick shake or splash of something like salt, pepper, or hot sauce. It is an informal measure; some kitchen references pin it at about 1/8 teaspoon, but in everyday cooking it simply means a little, added to taste.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include dash:
