smatter

[smat-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.

2. to dabble in.

noun

1. a slight or superficial knowledge; smattering.

   She gets by with only a smatter of musical knowledge.

2. a small amount or number; smattering.

   a smatter of applause; smatters of nervous laughter.

smatter

/ ˈsmætə /

noun

1. a smattering

verb

1. rare,  (intr) to prattle

2. archaic,  (tr) to dabble in

Other Word Forms

• smatterer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; further origin uncertain; perhaps from Scandinavian; Danish, Norwegian smadre “to splash, smash (to pieces),” Swedish smattra “to clatter, rattle” ( Middle Low German smetern “to chatter”), but the semantic development is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter¹

C14 (in the sense: to prattle): of uncertain origin; compare Middle High German smetern to gossip

Example Sentences

Thousands of feet below, a smattering of old homesteads spread out like playing cards on a poker table.

From Los Angeles Times

A smattering of customers walked through Santee Alley — a normally colorful experience.

From Los Angeles Times

Couches and chairs were arranged in a circle with a smattering of throw rugs at the center.

From Los Angeles Times

With a smattering of Electric Six's saucy disco funk, Milkshake Man is tasty enough to get Australia back in the finals after only achieving a semi last year.

From BBC

But there also were many seniors on fixed incomes who had paid off their homes decades ago, as well as a smattering of young, middle-income families.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blast 
• burst 
• crack 
• crush 
• dash 
• demolish 
• destroy 
• disable 
• exhaust 
• explode 
• fracture 
• impair 
• ruin 
• smash 
• snap 
• splinter 
• split 
• wreck