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

From triple smash burgers, to sushi, to chicken shwarma, to homemade pizza, to protein smoothies, salads and specialty gelato, there's something for everyone. —Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

Named for chef and owner Daniel Auffenberg’s maternal grandmother, the restaurant has both a happy hour and a dinner menu featuring a host of delicious bites, including a double smash patty, shrimp ceviche, and a chocolate chip cookie with homemade ice cream. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025

Verb

The judges were unanimous in validating that belief after Efron smashed Karagach's inventive freestyle choreography. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025

Use the bottom of a heavy glass or measuring cup to smash potatoes, without breaking them, to about 1/2-inch thickness. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025

Adjective

Though Predator proved a smash success at the box office and drew positive notices for Schwarzenegger, the actor and former California governor didn't return for a sequel or other franchise film until Killer of Killers 38 years later. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025

The actress originated her breakout role of Eleven on the smash Netflix series Stranger Things when the show debuted in 2016. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 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