splutter
verb (used without object)
to talk rapidly and somewhat incoherently, as when confused, excited, or embarrassed.
had been spluttering
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past perfect progressiveof splutter.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Malouda's crisp winner, dispatched from José Bosingwa's cross, was reward for an improved second half display but much of the opening period had been spluttering.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 20, 2011
