First Known Use: 1600
Dictionary
1spatter
verb spat·ter \ˈspa-tər\
: to cause drops of a liquid to be thrown forcefully in different directions
Full Definition of SPATTER
intransitive verb
: to spurt forth in scattered drops <blood spattering everywhere>
transitive verb
1
: to splash with or as if with a liquid; also : to soil in this way <his coat was spattered with mud>
2
: to scatter by or as if by splashing <spatter water>
3
: to cover with or as if with splashes or spots
4
: to cast aspersions on : defame <spattered my reputation>
See spatter defined for English-language learners
See spatter defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPATTER
akin to Frisian spatterje to spatter, Middle Dutch bespatten to splash
2spatter
noun
: a mark made when something wet hits a surface
Full Definition of SPATTER
1
a : the act or process of spattering : the state of being spattered b : the noise of spattering
2
a : a drop or splash spattered on something or a spot or stain due to spattering b : a small amount or number : sprinkle <a spatter of applause>
See spatter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SPATTER
1797
Related to SPATTER
- Synonyms
- ace, bit, crumb, dab, dram, driblet, glimmer, hint, lick, little, mite, nip, ounce, peanuts, ray, scintilla, scruple, shade, shadow, shred, skosh, smack, smell, smidgen (also smidgeon or smidgin or smidge), snap, soupçon, spark, particle, speck, splash, spot, sprinkling, strain, streak, suspicion, tad, touch, trace
SPATTER Defined for Kids
1spatter
verb spat·ter \ˈspa-tər\
spat·teredspat·ter·ing
Definition of SPATTER for Kids
1
: to splash with drops or small bits of something wet <Don't spatter the floor with paint.>
2
: to scatter by splashing <A passing car spattered mud on my clothes.>
Headscratcher for SPATTER
You can add one letter to spatter to form the synonym “splatter,” or you can change one letter to form the related word “scatter.”
2spatter
noun
Definition of SPATTER for Kids
1
: the act or sound of something splashing in drops <the spatter of rain on a roof>
2
: a drop or splash spattered on something : a spot or stain due to spattering <a grease spatter>
Learn More About SPATTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: spatter conePrevious Word in the Dictionary: spatiotemporalAll Words Near: spatter
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spatter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).