putter
verb (used without object)
to busy or occupy oneself in a leisurely, casual, or ineffective manner.
puttering
-
present participleof putter.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
During communist days, chronic shortages and years-long waiting lists for cars like the puttering Trabant meant that mopeds and motorcycles became an indispensable way to get around.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
Shahed drones have been dubbed "flying mopeds" by Ukrainians because of their puttering engines.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2025
I would sometimes see him puttering around the library in our part of Arlington, Virginia.
From Slate ● Mar. 6, 2025
That’s Steve Carell puttering away as the motel’s eager-to-please manager, busily preparing rooms for various harried convention guests played by Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis and Stephen Park.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2023
He heard the familiar puttering of an old propeller, recognizing for an instant the Universal logo above him, the giant globe being encircled by a small airplane.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
