First Known Use: 1598
Dictionary
1sputter
verb sput·ter \ˈspə-tər\
: to make loud sounds like explosions
: to speak quickly or in a confused way because you are upset, surprised, etc.
Full Definition of SPUTTER
transitive verb
1
: to spit or squirt from the mouth with explosive sounds
2
: to utter hastily or explosively in confusion or excitement <“that's ridiculous!” she sputtered>
3
: to dislodge (atoms) from the surface of a material by collision with high energy particles; also : to deposit (a metallic film) by such a process
intransitive verb
1
: to spit or squirt particles of food or saliva noisily from the mouth
2
: to speak explosively or confusedly in anger or excitement
3
: to make explosive popping sounds
— sput·ter·er noun
See sputter defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SPUTTER
akin to Dutch sputteren to sputter
Related to SPUTTER
2sputter
noun
Definition of SPUTTER
1
: confused and excited speech or discussion
2
: the act or sound of sputtering
First Known Use of SPUTTER
1673
SPUTTER Defined for Kids
1sputter
verb sput·ter \ˈspə-tər\
sput·teredsput·ter·ing
Definition of SPUTTER for Kids
1
: to spit noisily from the mouth <She came out of the water coughing and sputtering.>
2
: to speak in a hasty or explosive way in confusion or excitement <Students sputtered out protests.>
3
: to make explosive popping sounds <The motor sputtered and died.>
2sputter
noun
Definition of SPUTTER for Kids
: the act or sound of sputtering
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