verb
spank
SPANGK
Spank (verb) means to strike someone, usually a child, on the buttocks with an open hand as punishment. Example: “His grandmother never believed in spanking children.”
verb
1
To strike someone, usually a child, on the buttocks with an open hand as punishment.
"His grandmother never believed in spanking children."
2
To decisively defeat or outplay an opponent (informal).
"The home team spanked their rivals 6-0."
noun
1
A slap on the buttocks.
"The naughty puppy got nothing worse than a light spank on the nose... with a rolled-up newspaper."
How to use spank
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo smack on the backside, or — informally — to beat someone badly in a game or contest.
Common pairings
spank a child
spank the opposition (informal)
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Word forms
- Plural
- spanks
- Third person singular
- spanks
- Past tense
- spanked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His grandmother never believed in _____ children.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, likely imitative of the slapping sound itself.
Related words
Rhymes for spank
See all rhymes for spank →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of spank?
"spank" (verb) means to strike someone, usually a child, on the buttocks with an open hand as punishment.
What is another word for spank?
Other words for "spank" include larrup, paddle, smack, thrash, trounce, wallop.
What are the different meanings of spank?
"spank" has 3 main meanings: 1. To strike someone, usually a child, on the buttocks with an open hand as punishment; 2. To decisively defeat or outplay an opponent (informal); 3. A slap on the buttocks.
How do you use spank in a sentence?
Example: "His grandmother never believed in spanking children."
