Dictionary

spick–and–span

adjective \ˌspik-ən(d)-ˈspan, ˌspik-əŋ-\

Definition of SPICK-AND-SPAN

2
:  spotlessly clean

Variants of SPICK-AND-SPAN

spick–and–span or spic–and–span \ˌspik-ən(d)-ˈspan, ˌspik-əŋ-\
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of SPICK-AND-SPAN

short for spick-and-span-new, from obsolete English spick spike + English and + span-new
First Known Use: 1665
SPICK-AND-SPAN Defined for Kids

spick–and–span

adjective \ˌspik-ən-ˈspan\

Definition of SPICK-AND-SPAN for Kids

1
:  quite new and unused
2
:  very clean and neat

Variants of SPICK-AND-SPAN

spick–and–span or spic–and–span \ˌspik-ən-ˈspan\

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: spick–and–spandyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: spicigerousAll Words Near: spick-and-span
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears