splutter

American  

[spluht-er] / ˈsplʌt ər /

verb (used without object)

1. to talk rapidly and somewhat incoherently, as when confused, excited, or embarrassed.

   When pushed for an explanation, he always spluttered.

2. to make a sputtering sound, or emit particles of something explosively, as water dropped onto a hot griddle.

3. to fly or fall in particles or drops; spatter, as a liquid.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter hastily and confusedly or incoherently; sputter.

   Out of breath, she spluttered a poor excuse for her lateness.

2. to spatter (a liquid, small particles, etc.).

3. to bespatter (someone or something).

noun

1. spluttering utterance or talk; noise or fuss.

2. a sputtering or spattering, as of liquid.

splutter British  

/ ˈsplʌtə /

verb

1. to spit out (saliva, food particles, etc) from the mouth in an explosive manner, as through choking or laughing

2. to utter (words) with spitting sounds, as through rage or choking

3. Also: sputter.  to eject or be ejected in an explosive manner

   sparks spluttered from the fire

4. (tr) to bespatter (a person) with tiny particles explosively ejected

   he spluttered the boy next to him with ink

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noun

1. the process or noise of spluttering

2. spluttering incoherent speech, esp in argument

3. anything ejected through spluttering

Other Word Forms

• splutterer noun

Etymology

Origin of splutter

1670–80; blend of splash and sputter

Example Sentences

But in their first game of 2026 they delivered a spluttering display that left them four points adrift of the Gunners.

From Barron's

Guardiola's side delivered an spluttering display featuring several squandered chances as they allowed Arsenal to take control of the Premier League title race.

From Barron's

If a draw against a host nation is not to be for Steve Clarke's team then it will be Saturday before every cough and splutter of World Cup 2026 is unveiled.

From BBC

The spluttering champions fell behind in the 33rd minute when Murillo's fierce strike punished their failure to deal with Elliot Anderson's corner.

From Barron's

Manchester United condemned Liverpool to a fourth successive defeat as Harry Maguire's late goal sealed a 2-1 win over the spluttering Premier League champions on Sunday.

From Barron's