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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Dracula
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Six
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Americans could be forgiven for wondering what is the point of the old country beyond some fine costume drama, a smattering of challenging golf courses, and a cheap alternative for their children’s education.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
A smattering of local Facebook groups against data centers, where members can chat and commiserate, have garnered thousands of community members in just a few months.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
Big picture: A smattering of manufacturers are doing pretty well — those involved in artificial intelligence, for instance, and companies such as steelmakers that have been shielded from competition due to U.S. tariffs.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 2, 2026
The run-up has seen none of the feverish public rallies that Suu Kyi could command, with just a smattering of low-key events.
From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025
Quentyn saw one mount a dog, as the other hopped onto a pig ... only to slide right off again, to a smattering of laughter.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
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.
