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REFERENCE

splash

v. · n.
US //ˈspɫæʃ// UK //splˈæʃ// splash
  1. 1 to scatter liquid (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make water or another liquid fly around in many directions.

    to cause a liquid to scatter or fly about in drops, often by hitting its surface.

    Example

    The children love to splash each other in the swimming pool.

    Example

    The heavy rain splashed against the windowpane, making it difficult to see the streetlights outside.

    Usage

    can be used with or without a direct object.
  2. 2 to publicize prominently (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to show a story or picture in a very noticeable way, like on the front page of a newspaper.

    to display or publicize a story, image, or piece of information prominently to attract maximum attention.

    Example

    The news of their wedding was splashed across every magazine.

    Example

    The marketing team decided to splash the new campaign imagery across digital billboards throughout the city centre.

    Usage

    often used in the passive voice with 'across' or 'over'.
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  1. 3 to spend money (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal British English

    to spend a lot of money on something, usually for fun or luxury.

    to spend a significant amount of money freely or ostentatiously.

    Example

    He decided to splash out on a fancy dinner to celebrate his promotion.

    Example

    After receiving her bonus, she splashed out on a designer handbag she had been eyeing for months.

    Usage

    usually followed by the preposition 'out' and then 'on'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very common in British English as the phrasal verb 'splash out'.
  2. 4 the sound or action (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the sound of something hitting water, or the liquid that flies up.

    the sound made by an object hitting a liquid, or the resulting spray of that liquid.

    Example

    We heard a loud splash when the dog jumped into the lake.

    Example

    The diver entered the water with barely a splash, earning high marks from the judges for her technical precision.
  3. 5 a small amount (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a small amount of liquid or color added to something.

    a small quantity of liquid, or a small but noticeable patch of color.

    Example

    She likes a splash of milk in her tea.

    Example

    The artist added a splash of bright red to the corner of the canvas to create a focal point.
  4. 6 making an impression (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    doing something that gets a lot of attention and interest.

    a striking or prominent effect that attracts widespread attention.

    Example

    The new electric car made a big splash at the auto show.

    Example

    The young director made a significant splash with her debut film, which won several awards at the international festival.

    Usage

    commonly used in the phrase 'make a splash'.
  5. 7 computing screen (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the first image you see while a computer program is loading.

    an initial screen or image displayed while a software application is loading.

    Example

    The app's splash screen features a minimalist logo on a white background.

    Example

    Developers often use the splash screen to perform background initialization tasks while providing visual feedback to the user.
    • splash screen
    • loading screen
Origin

Probably an alteration of plash (compare spatter, spill for the initial s-).

Idioms2 entries

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