splash

1 of 2

verb

splashed; splashing; splashes

intransitive verb

1
a
: to strike and dash about a liquid or semiliquid substance
b
: to move in or into a liquid or semiliquid substance and cause it to spatter
2
a(1)
: to become spattered about
(2)
: to spread or scatter in the manner of splashed liquid
b
: to fall, strike, or move with a splashing sound
a brook splashing over rocks

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to dash a liquid or thinly viscous substance upon or against
(2)
: to soil or stain with splashed liquid
b
: to mark or overlay with patches of contrasting color or texture
c
: to display prominently
a story splashed on the front page
2
a
: to cause (a liquid or thinly viscous substance) to spatter about especially with force
b
: to scatter in the manner of a splashed liquid
splasher noun

splash

2 of 2

noun

1
a(1)
: splashed liquid or semiliquid substance
also : impounded water released suddenly
(2)
: a spot or daub from or as if from splashed liquid
a mud splash on the fender
b
: a colored patch
2
a
: the action of splashing
b
: a short plunge
3
: a sound produced by or as if by a liquid falling, moving, being hurled, or oscillating
4
a
: a vivid impression created especially by ostentatious activity or appearance
b
: ostentatious display
5
: a small amount : sprinkling

Examples of splash in a Sentence

Verb He dropped the bottle and bleach splashed onto the floor. We could hear the waves splashing against the side of the boat. The baby splashed the water. Don't splash water at your brother. I accidentally splashed some water on the floor. She splashed cold water on her face. We were splashed by a passing car. She splashed her face with cold water. The dog was splashing through the waves. Noun at least you have a splash of common sense—which is more than we can say for your mother
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
In addition to fan-favorite tacos (don't miss the opportunity to visit Torchy's), families will find biking and hiking trails, as well as swimming holes (like the ones at Barton Springs and Zilker Park) and lakes (including Lady Bird Lake) for splashing around in the warm months. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 Not only will your kiddo love floating and splashing in the pool, but this baby pool float features an interactive (inflatable) handlebar that houses three balls that move through the clear bar as your kiddo moves in the float. Maya Polton, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024 The guy looks like movie-star material, but makes for a rather banal boyfriend, judging by the generic-looking memories sampled (flirting at a concert, splashing together at the beach). Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024 Tway splashed four balls into the water before finally holing out with his 12th stroke, taking the existing unwanted record away from Robert Gamez, who shot 11 in 1990. Jack Bantock, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 The palace has released many of these photos, and they are routinely published on the front pages of British papers (The Times of London splashed the Mother’s Day picture over three columns). Mark Landler, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Hit the beach where kiddos can splash about, paddle board, or enjoy a nice barbecue by the sea. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 From Kevin Baxter: The U.S. and Canada splashed their way through 120 minutes of soccer before their CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal was decided in penalty kicks, with the Americans advancing to Sunday’s final behind a heroic performance from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Add the achiote seasoning, mix well until the mixture starts turning a light orange color, then splash in the Mexican lager. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024
Noun
But while some products or industries saw a boom during Covid that later came back down to earth –- say, masks, roller skates, pet adoptions, Zoom subscriptions, Peloton bikes -– bidets made a big splash and have managed to maintain sales growth. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024 The Angels didn’t make a big splash on the free-agent front, and a ninth straight losing season feels like a mere formality. Staff and Wire Reports, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2024 Add a splash of buttermilk to mashed potatoes in place of milk or heavy cream. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2024 While this functionality quietly rolled out late last year, Chase and Southwest and making a big splash now. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 While a 2017 movie remake attempted to recapture the magic with cameos of original stars like David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, nothing compares to the series that made the biggest splash on TV. Kathleen Perricone, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024 The soft pink tone adds a delicate splash of color to your table while still conveying the spring spirit. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 One place to start is by sprucing up your exterior with splashes of colors and furniture, highlighting its potential. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2024 Add a splash of wine or water if the onions stick too much. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'splash.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of plash

First Known Use

Verb

1709, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(2)

Noun

1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of splash was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near splash

Cite this Entry

“Splash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splash. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

splash

1 of 2 verb
1
a
: to cause (something liquid or sloppy) to move and scatter roughly
splash water
b
: to wet, soil, or stain by spattering with something liquid or sloppy
splashed by a passing car
2
: to move or strike with a splashing sound
splash through a puddle
a brook splashing over rocks
3
: to spread or scatter like a splashed liquid
the sunset splashed the sky with red
splasher noun

splash

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: splashed material
b
: a spot or smear from or as if from splashed liquid
2
: the sound or action of splashing

More from Merriam-Webster on splash

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