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.
By last week, when Chapman stopped counting, “yes” votes topped 100, beating 72 opposed and a smattering of stickers on the center line for undecided.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
“The Odyssey,” in whatever format it is seen, is an epic adventure with emotional undertones beyond the original story and an existential message that resonates far more than its smattering of modern language.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Lehigh Acres has no downtown or central shopping district, just a smattering of strip malls dominated by dollar stores and mom-and-pop shops.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The Specials Live from the Cathedral spans 24 songs and, according to Golding, includes "all the hits you know and love, but also a fair smattering from the Encore album as well".
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
A smattering of voices croaked feebly: “Que viva Snuffy!”
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
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.
