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.
His company, Film Leader Co., supervises film restorations and runs technical operations for a smattering of cinema houses across the country.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
The fall is also when we see new Apple Watches, as well as a smattering of AirPods, iPads and Macs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 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
We have seen all 48 teams in action across three countries over a jam-packed seven days, with 75 goals scored and a smattering of upsets, individual brilliance and controversy.
From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026
Below, I see a smattering of ghost-shrimp Collective mill around the empty room.
From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera
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.
