sputter
verb (used without object)
to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
had been sputtering
-
past perfect progressiveof sputter.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.
St. Bonaventure’s offense had been sputtering all night until Koen Glover finally broke through for an eight-yard touchdown run with 4:17 left.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2023
Against the Rams, they also righted an offense that had been sputtering, struggling to sustain drives and finish in the end zone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 1, 2023
It was a life-or-death moment for the new Broadway revival of “Funny Girl,” which had been sputtering along since it opened this spring to tepid reviews and no love from the Tony Awards.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2022
But near the midpoint of the fourth quarter, the Giants’ offense had been sputtering for more than an hour.
From New York Times ● Oct. 4, 2015
Miller had a broad smile at the end of the game, relieved that the Sabres, who had been sputtering, won their second straight overtime game.
From New York Times ● Mar. 8, 2010
