sputter

[spuht-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.

2. to emit particles, sparks, etc., forcibly or explosively, especially accompanied by sputtering sounds.

3. to eject particles of saliva, food, etc., from the mouth in a light spray, as when speaking angrily or excitedly.

4. to utter or spit out words or sounds explosively or incoherently, as when angry or flustered.

verb (used with object)

1. to emit (anything) forcibly and in small particles, as if by spitting.

   The fire sputtered cinders.

2. to eject (saliva, food, etc.) in small particles explosively and involuntarily, as in excitement.

3. to utter explosively and incoherently.

noun

1. the act or sound of sputtering.

2. explosive, incoherent utterance.

3. matter ejected in sputtering.

sputter

/ ˈspʌtə /

verb

1. another word for splutter splutter splutter

2. physics

   1. to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which atoms of a solid are removed from its surface by the impact of high-energy ions, as in a discharge tube

   2. to coat (a film of a metal) onto (a solid surface) by using this process

noun

1. the process or noise of sputtering

2. incoherent stammering speech

3. something that is ejected while sputtering

Other Word Forms

• sputterer noun
• sputteringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputter¹

1590–1600; sput- (variant of spout ) + -er ⁶; cognate with Dutch sputteren

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputter¹

C16: from Dutch sputteren, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

As the offense sputtered, Barkley had only one carry in the second half.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But throughout Hollywood, mega-franchises that once fueled the industry are sputtering.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The talks sputtered out after Russia intensified drone and missile strikes in Ukraine while handing Ukrainian officials a set of demands that would seize control of much of the country.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Both offenses are sputtering and turnovers likely will decide the outcome.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Her campaign only started to sputter after it seemed she couldn’t escape his vortex.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• falter 
• stammer 
• stutter