splitting

adjective

split·​ting ˈspli-tiŋ 

: that splits or causes to split: such as

a

: causing a piercing sensation

a splitting headache

b

: very fast or quick

… racing off at a splitting pace …

—Charles Dickens

c

: sidesplitting

a splitting laugh

Synonyms of splitting

• rapid
• galloping
• quick
• fast
• brisk
• rattling
• flying

Examples of splitting in a Sentence

the horse took off at a splitting gallop

Recent Examples on the Web

Sanders shifted around in an uncertain role in his first two seasons in Denver, splitting time both in the box and off the edge his first year. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 July 2025

Despite splitting time with Cooper McDonald, Deal finished tied for fifth in sacks in the league with 5.5. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025

Getting there in a straight line—forming a simple wedge shape—is the strongest arrangement and is very practical for splitting wood. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025

Saturday’s showcase saw more of the same, with all three splitting reps with the first team, though Harrell did take the first snaps in the 11-on-11 period. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing splitting

• fee splitting
• splitting headache

Rhymes for splitting

• fitting
• flitting
• gritting
• hitting
• knitting
• pitting
• quitting
• sitting
• slitting
• spitting
• acquitting
• admitting

Kids Definition

splitting

adjective

split·​ting

ˈsplit-iŋ

: very severe

a splitting headache