sputter

[ˈspʌtər]

sputter Definition

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

• splutter
• spit
• sizzle
• crackle
• pop

Phrases with sputter

• sputter out

  to come to an end in a weak or ineffective manner

  Example

  The party sputtered out after midnight when everyone left.

• sputter to a stop

  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.

• sputter with laughter

  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.