Definition of smithereens in English:
smithereens
(also smithers)
plural noun ˌsmɪðəˈriːnzˌsmɪðəˈrinz
informal Small pieces.
a grenade blew him to smithereens
Example sentencesExamples
- Germany and Japan have both been peaceful, nonviolent countries ever since they were bombed to smithereens in WWII.
- Officers called to the scene found the old-style red cast iron phone kiosk in smithereens with just the four corner upright supports still standing.
- It would also be legal to use force to enter their house/apartment/hotel room and set about smashing their stereo to smithereens with a hurley.
- The Golden Dragon is blown into smithereens and pieces of the cargo ship lands into the water after being blown sky high.
- We can watch movies, in which hundreds of people get blown to smithereens.
Synonyms
piece, bit, particle, speck
Origin
Early 19th century: probably from Irish smidirín.
Definition of smithereens in US English:
smithereens
plural nounˌsmiT͟Həˈrēnzˌsmɪðəˈrinz
informal Small pieces.
a grenade blew him to smithereens
Example sentencesExamples
- Officers called to the scene found the old-style red cast iron phone kiosk in smithereens with just the four corner upright supports still standing.
- The Golden Dragon is blown into smithereens and pieces of the cargo ship lands into the water after being blown sky high.
- Germany and Japan have both been peaceful, nonviolent countries ever since they were bombed to smithereens in WWII.
- It would also be legal to use force to enter their house/apartment/hotel room and set about smashing their stereo to smithereens with a hurley.
- We can watch movies, in which hundreds of people get blown to smithereens.
Synonyms
piece, bit, particle, speck
Origin
Early 19th century: probably from Irish smidirín.