splatter

American  

[splat-er] / ˈsplæt ər /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to splash and scatter upon impact.

   The paint splattered when I dropped the bucket.

---

noun

1. an act or instance of splattering.

2. the quantity splattered.

   to wipe up a splatter of ketchup on the rug.

adjective

1. characterized by gory imagery.

   splatter films.

splatter British  

/ ˈsplætə /

verb

1. to splash with small blobs; spatter

---

noun

1. a splash of liquid, mud, etc

Other Word Forms

• unsplattered adjective

Etymology

Origin of splatter

1775–85; blend of splash and spatter

Example Sentences

She rocks the studio’s campy branded ensembles — some with blood splatter designs, others with fangs and skulls — as she demonstrates movements that bring to mind iconic scream scenes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

Yet, it’s disappointment that Perkins serves up most frequently in “The Monkey,” detouring from every wide-open chance to showcase depth and humanity in favor of juvenile humor and gross-out splatter gags.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

There was no trace of Yablonka, including any blood splatter.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023

In interviews, some city sanitation workers described persistent safety concerns, such as coming into contact with carcasses of rabid dogs and acid splatter from batteries.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2023

We’re sweaty and covered in paint splatter, but we did it.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks