spatter

[ spat-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to scatter or dash in small particles or drops:

   The dog spattered mud on everyone when he shook himself.

2. to splash with something in small particles:

   to spatter the ground with water.

3. to sprinkle or spot with something that soils or stains.

verb (used without object)

1. to send out small particles or drops, as falling water:

   rain spattering on a tin roof.

2. to strike a surface in or as in a shower, as bullets.

noun

1. the act or the sound of spattering:

   the spatter of rain on a roof.

2. a splash or spot of something spattered.

spatter

/ ˈspætə /

verb

1. to scatter or splash (a substance, esp a liquid) or (of a substance) to splash (something) in scattered drops

   to spatter mud on the car

   mud spattered in her face

2. tr to sprinkle, cover, or spot (with a liquid)
3. tr to slander or defame
4. intr to shower or rain down

   bullets spattered around them

noun

1. the sound of something spattering
2. something spattered, such as a spot or splash
3. the act or an instance of spattering

Other Words From

• spatter·ing·ly adverb
• un·spattered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spatter¹

1575–85; perhaps < Dutch spatt ( en ) to splash + -er ⁶; compare Dutch spatterig literally, spattery

Word History and Origins

Origin of spatter¹

C16: of imitative origin; related to Low German, Dutch spatten to spout, Frisian spatteren to splash

Example Sentences

Blood spatter was reportedly found on the bed, and a Playboy magazine alongside it.

From The Daily Beast

His pictures are uncrowded, with some details suggested by the simplest of gestures, such as quick spatters that represent flowers.

From Washington Post

High sides catch the spatter--you can shallow-fry in a few inches of oil in one of these.

From The Daily Beast

Yells of pain mingled with the tumult that drowned the ragged, ineffective spatter of firing from the war-fleet.

From Project Gutenberg

And faint across the creek, the road, and the fields lay the pondy smell of spatter-docks.

From Project Gutenberg

The rain had begun to spatter the deck beneath them and the cool wind was working its own will with their garments.

From Project Gutenberg

Instantly, too, three others spoke, aimed at her flash and she heard the spatter of lead against stone nearby.

From Project Gutenberg

With one quick jerk, he raised his rifle, and a vivid spatter of fire followed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• daub
• mottle
• smudge
• speckle