smash

1 of 3

noun

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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
In 1982, the Steve Miller Band’s smash earned a gold record. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Godzilla will be stomping back into cinemas soon, courtesy of the director behind last year’s Oscar-winning smash hit, Godzilla Minus One. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
Nothing else remained, and the motor was not seen after the wave smashed us. Orval C. Johnson, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2024 The chaos also prompted some to smash and grab goods. Alberto Saiz, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Bernabei drew comparisons with smash FX series Shōgun, which is also based on an original novel and was made into a famous TV show four years after Sandokan. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2024 From smash burgers to Asian-fusion nachos, the Miami Heat is expanding its food options at the Kaseya Center this season. Martin Vassolo, Axios, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for smash 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of smash was in 1725

Dictionary Entries Near smash

Cite this Entry

“Smash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smash. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

smash

1 of 2 verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on smash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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