noun

smithereens

smih-thuh-REENZ

Smithereens (noun) means Small scattered fragments, especially from something broken violently. Example: “The vase fell and shattered into smithereens.”

noun

Small scattered fragments, especially from something broken violently.

"The vase fell and shattered into smithereens."

"The old shed was blown to smithereens in the storm."

How to use smithereens

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTiny broken pieces, always used to describe something totally shattered.

Common pairings

blown to smithereens smashed to smithereens

Word forms

smithereen singular

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Fill the gap

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The vase fell and shattered into _____.

Etymology

Likely from Irish smidiríní, "small fragments," though the exact path into English is uncertain.

Origin: Irish

Rhymes for smithereens

teens greens Queens

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Frequently asked questions

What does “smithereens” mean?

The word “smithereens” means small scattered fragments, especially from something broken violently. In plain terms, tiny broken pieces, always used to describe something totally shattered.

How do you pronounce “smithereens”?

“Smithereens” is pronounced smih-thuh-REENZ (/ˌsmɪðəˈɹinz/ in IPA).

How do you use “smithereens” in a sentence?

Here is “smithereens” used in a sentence: “The vase fell and shattered into smithereens.”

What part of speech is “smithereens”?

“Smithereens” is a noun.

Where does the word “smithereens” come from?

The word “smithereens” comes from Irish. Likely from Irish smidiríní, "small fragments," though the exact path into English is uncertain.

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Vocabulary lists that include smithereens:

Words with Celtic origins