splutter

American  

[spluht-er] / ˈsplʌt ər /

verb (used without object)

1. to talk rapidly and somewhat incoherently, as when confused, excited, or embarrassed.

   When pushed for an explanation, he always spluttered.

2. to make a sputtering sound, or emit particles of something explosively, as water dropped onto a hot griddle.

3. to fly or fall in particles or drops; spatter, as a liquid.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter hastily and confusedly or incoherently; sputter.

   Out of breath, she spluttered a poor excuse for her lateness.

2. to spatter (a liquid, small particles, etc.).

3. to bespatter (someone or something).

noun

1. spluttering utterance or talk; noise or fuss.

2. a sputtering or spattering, as of liquid.

splutter British  

/ ˈsplʌtə /

verb

1. to spit out (saliva, food particles, etc) from the mouth in an explosive manner, as through choking or laughing

2. to utter (words) with spitting sounds, as through rage or choking

3. Also: sputter.  to eject or be ejected in an explosive manner

   sparks spluttered from the fire

4. (tr) to bespatter (a person) with tiny particles explosively ejected

   he spluttered the boy next to him with ink

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noun

1. the process or noise of spluttering

2. spluttering incoherent speech, esp in argument

3. anything ejected through spluttering

Other Word Forms

• splutterer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of splutter

1670–80; blend of splash and sputter

Example Sentences

After reflection, Pennoyer said, "It's pretty hard on the rest of us, Splutter."

From The Third Violet by Crane, Stephen

"Of course I don't care anything about a fellow's having money——" "No, indeed you don't, Splutter," said Pennoyer.

From The Third Violet by Crane, Stephen

Look here, Splutter, let up on that, will you?

From The Third Violet by Crane, Stephen

"I tell you what," said Grief, "we'll throw some poker hands, and the one who wins will have the distinguished honour of conveying Miss Splutter to her home and mother."

From The Third Violet by Crane, Stephen

"Who is going to take you home, Splutter?"

From The Third Violet by Crane, Stephen