smash

1 of 3

noun

ˈsmash 

1

a

: a smashing blow or attack

b

: a hard overhand stroke (as in tennis or badminton)

2

a

: the action or sound of smashing

especially : a wreck due to collision : crash

b

: utter collapse : ruin

3

: a striking success

smash

2 of 3

verb

smashed; smashing; smashes

transitive verb

1

: to break or crush by violence

2

a

: to drive or throw violently especially with a shattering or battering effect

also : to effect in this way

b

: to hit violently : batter

c(1)

: to hit (something, such as a tennis ball) with a hard overhand stroke

(2)

: to drive (a ball) with a forceful stroke

3

: to destroy utterly : wreck

intransitive verb

1

: to move or become propelled with violence or crashing effect

smashed into a tree

2

: to become wrecked

3

: to go to pieces suddenly under collision or pressure

smasher noun

smash

3 of 3

adjective

: being a smash : outstanding

a smash hit

Synonyms

Noun

• bump
• collision
• concussion
• crash
• impact
• impingement
• jar
• jolt
• jounce
• kick
• shock
• slam
• strike
• wallop

Verb

• break down
• crash
• shatter

Examples of smash in a Sentence

Noun

The new movie is a smash.

She was a smash at the party.

His new song promises to be a smash hit.

The vase fell to the ground with a loud smash.

She hit an overhand smash that won the match.

Verb

He smashed the vase with a hammer.

The ball smashed the window.

The vase fell and smashed to pieces.

He smashed into the wall.

She smashed the ball deep into the opposite corner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As Sheeran prepares his next full-length, fans in his home country are still loving one of his more popular collections, which gathers together many of his most popular smashes. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

The country superstar’s latest smash effort collected another 246,000 album-equivalent units, down just 14% from week two. —Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2025

Verb

Two weeks ago, vandals threw bricks through the front office window, smashing a few items inside. —Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025

At least two separate crews used landscaping rocks to smash windows and enter the businesses, police said. —Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

Adjective

The 50 West Soft Pretzel Double Cheeseburger uplifts the smash burger experience, stacking two patties, American cheese, and Funacho cheese, all cradled in a pretzel bun with crinkle-cut fries on the side. —Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Dig in: The happy hour deal includes a smash burger, three roasted oysters, fries and a glass of bubbly for $20. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps blend of smack entry 4 and mash entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1725, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1923, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing smash

• smash-and-grab
• smash burger
• smash down
• smash in
• smash to smithereens

Rhymes for smash

• ash
• bash
• brash
• cache
• cash
• clash
• crash
• dash
• flash
• gash
• hash
• lash

Kids Definition

smash

1 of 2 verb

ˈsmash 

1

: to break into pieces by violence : shatter

2

: to drive, throw, or move violently especially with a destructive effect

3

: to destroy completely : wreck

4

: to go to pieces suddenly : collapse

smasher noun

smash

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a heavy blow or attack

b

: a hard overhand stroke (as in tennis)

2

: the condition of being smashed

3

a

: the action or sound of smashing

especially : a wreck due to collision : crash

b

: complete collapse : ruin

especially : bankruptcy

4

: a striking success : hit

the new play is a smash