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
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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.
Over just a smattering of EPs, her intricate, dream-logic electro-folk-rock has captivated A-list peers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
There was a smattering of press cameras outside the entry gates, though most fans skipped talking to the press.
From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026
There is also a smattering of sculptures, including a joyful mother and child by Fernando Botero and a series of full-scale creations featuring some of “Star Wars” most beloved characters.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
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
Seated in the galley, a smattering of onlookers joined the families.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
