VocabDictionary

smashing

/ˈsmæʃ.ɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Excellent, wonderful, or very impressive.

Example Sentences:
  • We had a smashing time at the garden party yesterday.
  • That is a smashing new outfit you are wearing!
2.verb

Present participle of smash; breaking or causing to break violently into pieces.

Example Sentences:
  • The clumsy burglar ended up smashing the front window.
  • Waves were smashing against the rocky coastline during the storm.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “smashing”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'smash' (of Scandinavian origin, akin to Old Norse 'smeðja' or Middle Low German 'smissen' meaning to strike or beat), with the suffix '-ing' developing an adjectival sense in 19th-century British slang to mean 'exceedingly good, wonderful, or striking'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of something so wonderfully good that it 'smashes' all your expectations out of the park.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “smashing

1. What is the meaning of “smashing” in English?

In English, smashing (adjective) is defined as: “Excellent, wonderful, or very impressive.”.

2. How do you use “smashing” in a sentence?

We had a smashing time at the garden party yesterday.

3. What are English synonyms of “smashing”?

Common synonyms include:splendid,marvellous,terrific,fabulous

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “smashing”?

Derived from the verb 'smash' (of Scandinavian origin, akin to Old Norse 'smeðja' or Middle Low German 'smissen' meaning to strike or beat), with the suffix '-ing' developing an adjectival sense in 19th-century British slang to mean 'exceedingly good, wonderful, or striking'.