What does splash mean?
A splash is the sound, movement, or scattered spray produced when water or another liquid hits a surface or object. As a verb, splash can describe the action of striking or being struck by liquid, as in “he splashed water across the table,” or moving abruptly into water, as in “the child splashed into the pool.” The word also has figurative meanings: something that makes a splash attracts attention or causes a stir, while splashing money means displaying or spending it freely and conspicuously. In journalism, a story may splash across the front page when it receives prominent treatment. Splash is broad and vivid in ordinary speech, combining a clear physical image with the idea of visibility, impact, and even excess. It is especially useful when describing the energetic movement of liquid and the striking impression created by a dramatic event, appearance, or announcement.
The sound or movement produced when water or another liquid strikes a surface or object and scatters into droplets; also, a small quantity of liquid scattered in this way.
"A splash of rain came through the open window."
In the figurative sense, a splash is an event or display that attracts attention or causes a stir.
To strike or be struck by water or another liquid, producing a spray or droplets; to move or enter water with such a sound or movement.
"The dog splashed through the shallow water beside the path."
Figuratively, it can mean to make something prominently visible or noticeable, or to display or spend money extravagantly.
The plural is used for separate splashes, small amounts of liquid, or notable events that attract attention.
"The lake was quiet except for a few splashes near the shore."
One splash can be a tiny spray of water—or, figuratively, a bold new idea that makes a big impression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of splash
The word appears in Middle English in forms related to splashing or splashing about, and its development is associated with the sound of liquid striking a surface. The exact medieval forms and their precise dialectal origins are less certain than the modern sense, so the word is best understood as an English formation whose sound-based development made the physical action memorable. Its modern figurative senses developed from the idea of a conspicuous impact or striking display.
Related word forms
How splash is actually used
The verb is transitive or intransitive: a person or object can splash something, or can splash into water. The figurative sense of making a noticeable impression is common in informal and journalistic English. The sense involving extravagant spending is often used in phrases such as splash out or splash the cash, especially in American usage.