spank

1 of 3

verb (1)

spanked; spanking; spanks
Synonyms of spanknext

transitive verb

1
: to strike especially on the buttocks with the open hand
2
informal : to defeat decisively
… came out inspired and spanked their rivals by 23 points.Associated Press

spank

2 of 3

noun

plural spanks
: an act of spanking : a sharp slap or blow to the buttocks usually with the palm of the hand

spank

3 of 3

verb (2)

spanked; spanking; spanks

intransitive verb

: to move quickly, dashingly, or spiritedly
spanking along in his new car

Examples of spank in a Sentence

Verb (1) They believed that parents should not spank their children. Noun gave him a spank on the bottom
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Parents Alexus Benavidez and Rauf Scott of Collin County filed a complaint this month against Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm in Frisco, alleging their 3-year-old son was the victim of excessive physical force that included yanking, spanking and smacking the toddler. Lina Ruiz may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 The first twenty minutes involve longtime Holzinger mentor-cum–ensemble member Renée Copraij spanking the gleefully squealing Annina Machaz. Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026 The duo tried to take on his former master, Darth Sidious (now Emperor Palpatine), only to get thoroughly spanked by Sheev, who killed Savage. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Before center Amari Williams could even set a screen, Daniels leaned into Brown, who was still 10 feet behind the 3-point arc, and spanked the basketball away. Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spank

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

imitative

Verb (2)

back-formation from spanking

First Known Use

Verb (1)

circa 1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1785, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spank was circa 1712

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spank. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

spank

verb
ˈspaŋk
: to strike on the buttocks with the open hand
spank noun

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