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Definition of smithereens

smithereens

/ˌsmɪð.əˈriːnz/
smith · er · eens
Plural:smithereens
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smithereens Lexical Profile

smithereens Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Small, shattered fragments or splinters resulting from a sudden impact or forceful destruction (used chiefly in the plural, especially in the phrase "to smithereens" or "into smithereens").

Example

"The antique porcelain vase slipped from the shelf and smashed to smithereens on the tile floor."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for smithereens

Word Nuance & Usage

"Smithereens" is a pluralia tantum noun that occurs almost exclusively in plural form within prepositional phrases such as "to smithereens" or "into smithereens" following verbs of shattering or destruction.

• Rhymes for smithereens

• Nearby Words

smite
smith
smithereen
smithereens
smithers
smithiantha
smithing

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from Hiberno-English, combining the English dialectal noun "smither" (a fragment or splinter) with the Irish diminutive suffix "-ín" and the English plural ending "-s", after the model of Irish "smidiríní" (little bits).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smithereens. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smithereens
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