1 A2 informal
To play energetically in water, making a lot of noise and sending water in many directions
"The toddlers were splashing about in the paddling pool all afternoon."
inseparable
splash about
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To move noisily and playfully in water, scattering it in all directions
In plain English
To play in water and send it flying everywhere
What does "splash about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To move through a wet or muddy area in an uncoordinated, noisy way
"We splashed about through the marshes, soaking our boots completely."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move water about (in various directions) by splashing — fully transparent
Actually means
To play in water and send it flying everywhere
Usage tip
Predominantly British English. Describes children or animals playing energetically in water, puddles, or the sea. Carries a lighthearted, playful tone. Can also describe figurative careless spending when used as a variant of 'splash out,' though this is less common.
Words that pair with "splash about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children pool puddle beach bath waves
How to conjugate "splash about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
splash about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
splashes about
he/she/it
Past simple
splashed about
yesterday
Past participle
splashed about
have + pp
-ing form
splashing about
continuous
Hear "splash about" in the wild
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Other ways to say "splash about"
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