smattering
a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something: a smattering of Latin.
a small amount or number: She’s written a smattering of poetry.
slight or superficial.
Origin of smattering
1Other words from smattering
- smat·ter·ing·ly, adverb
Words Nearby smattering
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use smattering in a sentence
At first, just a smattering of travelers tested positive, triggering work-from-home orders and panicked searches for masks.
900,000 infected. Nearly 15,000 dead. How the coronavirus tore through D.C., Maryland and Virginia. | Rebecca Tan, Antonio Olivo, John D. Harden | February 5, 2021 | Washington PostIn other words, each of us has a smattering of brain cells dedicated to modeling another mind inside our own heads.
This Is Where Empathy Lives in the Brain, and How It Works | Shelly Fan | February 2, 2021 | Singularity HubThere’s already a smattering of participants that includes schools, hotels and the military.
Environment Report: Local Farms Want Your Table Scraps | MacKenzie Elmer | January 25, 2021 | Voice of San DiegoThe TikToks performed fairly well, usually generating around 10,000 or so views and a smattering of comments.
Windows offer a bit more space, as well, along with a smattering of new symbols scattered throughout first-party apps like Mail and Calendar.
The long crypt tunnels into a hillside, only visible by a smattering of skylights peeking up between graves.
There was a smattering of clean-cut sensation seekers and a few actual Hindus as well.
“I will be here in August 2014,” he thundered to a smattering of laughs and applause.
For the non-greenhorn, though, there is fun to be had in the smattering of fearless, at times audacious, assertions.
John Sutherland‘s Enjoyable Little History of Literature | Malcolm Forbes | November 29, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST“There were a smattering of reactions,” Hoyt told The Daily Beast.
All that was necessary was a slight knowledge of a Cabinet Minister, and a smattering of schooling.
No man who ever was in a quarry or gravel pit will say so, much less one who has the least smattering of chemistry or geology.
Gospel Philosophy | J. H. WardA Canadian who had picked up a smattering of German acted as interpreter.
The Escape of a Princess Pat | George PearsonFor he had some sort of smattering of English literature which a Public School boy has no business to possess.
The Secret Glory | Arthur MachenI had some smattering of geometry and fortification; my uncle was an engineer; I was in a manner a soldier by inheritance.
The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau, Complete | Jean Jacques Rousseau
British Dictionary definitions for smattering
/ (ˈsmætərɪŋ) /
a slight or superficial knowledge
a small amount
Derived forms of smattering
- smatteringly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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