sputter
verb (used without object)
to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
had sputtered
-
past perfectof sputter.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Canada's economy had sputtered over the past year, as Trump's tariffs squeezed key sectors like auto-making, forced job losses and sent jitters across the business community.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
Gabriel was injured in the second quarter of Oklahoma’s loss to TCU on October 1, and the team’s offense had sputtered in nearly seven quarters without him heading into the Kansas game.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 15, 2022
But progress on her housing voucher had sputtered and then stalled.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2022
The Tigers’ predictable run-first offense had sputtered, scoring just nine touchdowns in those four games and averaging 339.5 yards.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 6, 2019
The lights in half the candlesticks had sputtered out.
From The House of a Thousand Candles by Meredith Nicholson
