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 of smash

Noun

• collision
• thump
• crash
• slam
• shock
• jolt

Verb

• shatter
• destroy

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

Following a string of low-budget hits, Wheatley was handed the reins of the sequel to the smash Jason Statham-starring action film about a prehistoric shark run amok in the modern world. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 20 June 2026

The smash has now dominated the 60-space ranking for three consecutive periods. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Verb

Archer's wickets were smashed by an unplayable shooter under his bat. —ABC News, 21 June 2026

The suspect also allegedly attacked a car at a gas station, which was found with its windows smashed out and an axe inside, and he was seen pushing down shelves inside the station’s market, BBC News reported. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

Adjective

After first charting in 1975, Bryson had a pair of smash pop hits with theme songs from back-to-back Disney toons. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 2 June 2026

New items include a smash burger with bacon, cheese and thousand island dressing on a pretzel bun, a three cheese sandwich and roasted tomato soup, a turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese sandwich and a cob salad with habanero pork belly. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026

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