spank

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈspaŋk 

spanked; spanking; spanks

transitive verb

: to strike especially on the buttocks with the open hand

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

A variety of approaches have been tried for dealing with this problem, ranging from gently holding the child in the chair to a quick spank, but it is not yet clear which of these approaches is most effective …

—David A. Lieberman

spank

3 of 3

verb (2)

spanked; spanking; spanks

intransitive verb

: to move quickly, dashingly, or spiritedly

spanking along in his new car

Synonyms

Noun

• bang
• bash
• bat
• beat
• belt
• biff
• blow
• bop
• box
• buffet
• bust
• chop
• clap
• clip
• clout
• crack
• cuff
• dab
• douse [British]
• fillip
• hack
• haymaker
• hit
• hook
• knock
• larrup [dialect]
• lash
• lick
• pelt
• pick
• plump
• poke
• pound
• punch
• rap
• slam
• slap
• slug
• smack
• smash
• sock
• stinger
• stripe
• stroke
• swat
• swipe
• switch
• thud
• thump
• thwack
• wallop
• welt
• whack
• wham
• whop
• whap

Examples of spank in a Sentence

Noun

delivered a quick spank to the child's bottom for disobedience

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In 2014, he was charged with felony child abuse after using a switch to spank his then 4-year-old son, which resulted in a suspension. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

The Americans spanked them in Lille nine days ago, 110-84, taking control late in the third quarter. —David Aldridge, The Athletic, 6 Aug. 2024

Noun

Inter Miami underlined its status as MLS favorites with a 5-0 home spank of rival Orlando City Saturday on two goals apiece from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, leaving the Herons unbeaten (two wins, one draw) in three games. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024

Monroe grabbed him, gave him a spank and sent him back on course. —Steve Knopper, Billboard, 6 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

imitative

Verb (2)

back-formation from spanking

First Known Use

Verb (1)

circa 1712, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1785, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1788, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spank

verb

ˈspaŋk

: to strike on the buttocks with the open hand

spank noun