What does splashing mean?
Splashing describes the movement and effects of liquid being scattered in drops, often with a conspicuous sound. People splash one another, splash through shallow water, or splash a liquid onto a surface; the verb can therefore refer either to the physical action or to the sudden spreading of a small quantity of liquid. It is common in both everyday description and figurative language. For example, a newspaper might report that a candidate "made a big splash" with an announcement, meaning that the statement attracted attention or caused excitement. The word can also form part of the informal phrase "splashing money," which suggests lavish spending. Although it may sound more forceful than simple wetting, splashing often carries a lively, playful, or dramatic quality. The related adjective "splashing" can describe water, movement, sound, or color that is scattered or appears in irregular patches.
To scatter liquid in drops, move through liquid, or produce the sound and motion of liquid striking a surface.
"He splashed cold water on his face."
The form shown is the present participle and gerund of "splash."
Characterized by splashing, or displaying scattered drops or patches suggestive of splashing.
"The mural is filled with splashing waves of blue and green."
This attributive use is common in descriptive writing and visual art commentary.
Splashing is where sound enters the picture: the liquid may be barely visible, but its energetic, rhythmic noise announces the movement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splashing come from?
The form is derived from "splash," which is probably an imitative word associated with the sound of liquid striking a surface. The suffix "-ing" forms the present participle and gerund. Related forms such as "splasher," "splashy," and "splashboard" were produced from the same verbal root.
Related word forms
How splashing is actually used
In its literal senses, splashing usually suggests energetic movement and the visible or audible scattering of liquid. The expression "splashing money" is informal and means spending or displaying it lavishly.
Easily confused with splashing
Splashing usually involves liquid being scattered by movement or impact, whereas spraying describes liquid being directed from a container or nozzle.