noun
smacking
Smacking (noun) means the act of hitting someone with an open hand, especially as physical punishment. Example: “Several countries have banned the smacking of children entirely.”
noun
1
The act of hitting someone with an open hand, especially as physical punishment.
"Several countries have banned the smacking of children entirely."
adjective
1
Producing a sharp, resounding sound, like a slap.
"She gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek."
How to use smacking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHitting with a sharp sound, or (as an adjective) loud and sharp-sounding.
UK vs US
In British English, "smacking" is commonly used for disciplining children (roughly equivalent to American "spanking").
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Word forms
- Plural
- smackings
Fill the gap
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Several countries have banned the _____ of children entirely.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for smacking
hacking
backing
lacking
jacking
sacking
racking
cracking
blacking
clacking
tracking
quacking
whacking
See all rhymes for smacking →
Frequently asked questions
What does “smacking” mean?
The word “smacking” means the act of hitting someone with an open hand, especially as physical punishment. In plain terms, hitting with a sharp sound, or (as an adjective) loud and sharp-sounding.
How do you use “smacking” in a sentence?
Here is “smacking” used in a sentence: “Several countries have banned the smacking of children entirely.”
What part of speech is “smacking”?
Depending on how it is used, “smacking” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “smacking” have?
“Smacking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of hitting someone with an open hand, especially as physical punishment.
