# Smith

/ˈsmɪθ/ (US) · /smˈɪθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smith
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 2. family name

noun · CEFR A2

the most common family name in English-speaking countries like the UK and the US.

For teachers: the most frequent surname in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, originating from the occupation.

- Mr. Smith is our new history teacher at the high school.
- The name Smith is so ubiquitous in English-speaking records that genealogists often find it difficult to distinguish between different family branches.

### 3. to forge metal

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to shape metal by heating it and hitting it with a hammer.

For teachers: to forge or shape metal, typically on an anvil, through the application of heat and percussive force.

- The ancient sword was smithed by a master in the mountains.
- The artisan smithed the glowing iron with rhythmic precision, turning a raw bar into a delicate gate ornament over several hours.

Usage: The verb form is much rarer than the noun and is often replaced by 'forge' in modern contexts.

## Examples

- The smith hammers the hot iron into a horseshoe.
- In the small village, the local smith was the only person capable of repairing the heavy farm machinery.
- Historically, the village smith held a vital position in the community, responsible for everything from shoeing horses to forging the tools necessary for the harvest.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.