smattering
Americannoun
-
a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something.
a smattering of Latin.
-
a small amount or number.
She’s written a smattering of poetry.
adjective
noun
-
a slight or superficial knowledge
-
a small amount
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of smattering
First recorded in 1530–40; smatter + -ing 1 ( def. ).
Explanation
A smattering is a small but inexact amount of something. If you know a smattering of things about Australia, then you don't know much. A smattering is a small amount of something, but it's hard to say how much. It's probably less than a bunch, but it's not much more than a whit or a jot. If you said "There's a smattering of squirrels in the park," then there are only a few squirrels. This word also implies that you don't understand a subject very well — a smattering of knowledge is only a tiny bit of knowledge.
Vocabulary lists containing smattering
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Dracula
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"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Six
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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.
A smattering of hardy locals even stayed until the final anthem was sung as the clocked neared 11pm.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
The fall is also when we see new Apple Watches, as well as a smattering of AirPods, iPads and Macs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
When one of China's biggest stand-up comedians opened his show with a joke about the extraordinarily long rule of the country's leader Xi Jinping, it drew a cheer, alongside a smattering of approving profanities.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
As Ohtani stepped into the batter’s box for the first time, he was greeted by a smattering of boos.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2026
Up close she still looks remarkably like Catherine—delicate features, pale as porcelain, with a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
