spatter

American  

[spat-er] / ˈspæt ər /

verb (used with object)

1. to scatter or dash in small particles or drops.

   The dog spattered mud on everyone when he shook himself.

2. to splash with something in small particles.

   to spatter the ground with water.

3. to sprinkle or spot with something that soils or stains.

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verb (used without object)

1. to send out small particles or drops, as falling water.

   rain spattering on a tin roof.

2. to strike a surface in or as in a shower, as bullets.

noun

1. the act or the sound of spattering.

   the spatter of rain on a roof.

2. a splash or spot of something spattered.

spatter British  

/ ˈspætə /

verb

1. to scatter or splash (a substance, esp a liquid) or (of a substance) to splash (something) in scattered drops

   to spatter mud on the car

   mud spattered in her face

2. (tr) to sprinkle, cover, or spot (with a liquid)

3. (tr) to slander or defame

4. (intr) to shower or rain down

   bullets spattered around them

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noun

1. the sound of something spattering

2. something spattered, such as a spot or splash

3. the act or an instance of spattering

Other Word Forms

• spatteringly adverb
• unspattered adjective

Etymology

Origin of spatter

1575–85; perhaps < Dutch spatt ( en ) to splash + -er ⁶; compare Dutch spatterig literally, spattery

Example Sentences

Trucks with open flatbeds in the rear were approaching, spattering slush as they passed.

From Literature

He put his hands up, but the water spattered him.

From Literature

We sped under the Iditarod Arch just behind her, spattered with ice and slush from her sled.

From Literature

Grandma slid her plate away from the waffle spatter, eyeing me like she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to eat at the same table as me again.

From Literature

When I could finally look over at Elliot, I discovered that he was just as mud spattered as me, although his face was a whole lot cleaner.

From Literature

Related Words

• daub
• mottle
• smudge
• speckle