sputter

[ˈspʌtər]

sputter Definition

  • 1to make a series of soft explosive or spitting sounds
  • 2to speak in a hesitant or faltering manner
  • 3to move with a series of explosive or spitting sounds

Using sputter: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sputter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The engine sputtered and died.

  • Example

    He sputtered out an apology.

  • Example

    The bacon sputtered in the pan.

  • Example

    The fireworks sputtered and fizzled out.

  • Example

    She sputtered with anger.

sputter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sputter

Phrases with sputter

  • to come to an end in a weak or ineffective manner

    Example

    The party sputtered out after midnight when everyone left.

  • to gradually slow down and stop with a series of explosive or spitting sounds

    Example

    The car sputtered to a stop on the side of the road.

  • to laugh in a series of short, explosive bursts

    Example

    She sputtered with laughter at his joke.

Origins of sputter

from Middle Dutch 'spatten', meaning 'to spatter'

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Summary: sputter in Brief

The verb 'sputter' [ˈspʌtər] refers to making soft explosive or spitting sounds, speaking hesitantly, or moving with explosive sounds. It can be used to describe engines, bacon in a pan, or fireworks fizzling out. Phrases like 'sputter out' and 'sputter to a stop' denote weak or ineffective endings, while 'sputter with laughter' describes laughing in short bursts.