smattering

[smat-er-ing]

noun

1. a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something.

   a smattering of Latin.

2. a small amount or number.

   She’s written a smattering of poetry.

adjective

1. slight or superficial.

smattering

/ ˈsmætərɪŋ /

noun

1. a slight or superficial knowledge

2. a small amount

Other Word Forms

• smatteringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smattering¹

First recorded in 1530–40; smatter + -ing ¹ ( def. ).

Example Sentences

The monkey hangs close to streetlamps rather than retreating to any of the neighborhood’s shadowy smatterings of trees.

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Mrs. Apple, suddenly in possession of her voice, shouted the rest of the quote, and earned a smattering of applause for it, too.

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At Lilac Hill, a dead surface was observed by a smattering of polite onlookers, most of them ex-pats.

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A relaxed opening day in front of a smattering of spectators at Lilac Hill was certainly a world away from what England will face at a sold-out Optus Stadium next week.

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A smattering of applause was just as loud as the boos that came at the full-time whistle as Scotland limped their way to a World Cup qualifying win over Belarus last month.

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Related Words

• modicum 
• smidgen