What does smooth mean?
Smooth describes a surface that is even, unbroken, and free from bumps or roughness, and it can also describe motion or progress that occurs without jolts, friction, or difficulty. For example, a smooth road allows a car to travel comfortably, while a smooth transition moves from one stage or system to another without disruption. The word may also describe a person's manner as polished, composed, or tactful. In contexts involving persuasion or explanations, "smooth" can carry a more critical meaning, suggesting that someone is articulate but possibly trying to make a dubious idea seem convincing. Related forms include the adverb smoothly and the noun smoothness.
Having an even, unbroken, or glossy surface without roughness or irregularities; also, proceeding easily or without difficulty.
"The polished table had a smooth surface."
Figurative uses often describe an easy, uninterrupted process, but may also imply excessive polish or persuasive smoothness.
To make a surface even, free from irregularities, or easier to move over; to remove obstacles or difficulties from something.
"She smoothed the dough with her hands."
Common in the literal sense of flattening or polishing a surface, and figuratively in phrases such as "smooth over a disagreement."
An act of making something smooth or free from irregularities; in informal British English, a well-groomed man.
"The iron glided over the fabric in one smooth."
The informal sense is chiefly British and is now relatively uncommon.
From Old English smōþ, smooth has always described surfaces without bumps; figuratively, it came to represent life or progress without obstacles.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of smooth
The adjective comes from Old English smōþ, meaning "smooth" or "even." Its modern English form reflects a later pronunciation and spelling change in the final consonant. The verb meaning "to make smooth" developed from the adjective and is attested in English by the early 17th century.
Related word forms
How smooth is actually used
In its figurative sense, smooth often suggests that something proceeds easily and without disruption; the expression "too smooth" may imply that a process is suspiciously convenient or deceptive. The adjective "smooth" can also describe behavior that is polished, persuasive, or plausibly deceptive, especially when describing a person's manner.
Easily confused with smooth
Smooth describes an even or frictionless surface, whereas soft describes a surface or material that yields easily to pressure.
Smooth can describe an event or process that proceeds without difficulty, while calm describes a person or situation that is peaceful and free from agitation.