sputtering

[ spuht-er-ing ]

/ ˈspʌt ər ɪŋ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: sputtering / sputterings on Thesaurus.com

noun

Engineering, Electronics. a process that uses ions of an inert gas to dislodge atoms from the surface of a crystalline material, the atoms then being electrically deposited to form an extremely thin coating on a glass, metal, plastic, or other surface.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!

Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between "it’s" and "its" in this crafty quiz!

Question 1 of 8

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

it's

its

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of sputtering

First recorded in 1900–05; sputter + -ing¹

OTHER WORDS FROM sputtering

un·sput·ter·ing, adjective

Words nearby sputtering

spur veins, spur wheel, sputnik, Sputniks, sputter, sputtering, sputum, Spuyten Duyvil Creek, spy, spyglass, spyhole

How to use sputtering in a sentence

Rising energy prices and supply-chain gridlock have resurrected conversations about stagflation—a period when sputtering economic growth and joblessness coincide with rising inflation.
Why economists are talking about stagflation|John Detrixhe|October 4, 2021|Quartz
Which brings us to this unfortunate sputtering at the Capitol these days.
Why a 9/11 Commission-Style Panel Isn’t Winning Backers — Yet|Philip Elliott|April 20, 2021|Time
Beneath the surge in coronavirus cases, the broken holiday routines and the sputtering local economy, some business owners are finding creative ways to make it through the winter.
Small Business Saturday spotlights pandemic-inspired entrepreneurship|Emily Davies|November 28, 2020|Washington Post
Sputtering, I manage a few “hut-hut-huts” with the other students.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

When he finally delivered his five lines, “my mouth had frozen, so this sputtering sort of came out,” Tambor says.
Jeffrey Tambor Is One Helluva Woman: Inside His Phenomenal Turn in ‘Transparent’|Kevin Fallon|September 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But by next spring or summer, it may be someone else sputtering for excuses.
Beware, Republicans: HealthCare.gov Will Rise Again|Michael Tomasky|November 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Even while sputtering out the most eye-rolling lines about his new love for the Kardashian family, he was remarkably pleasant.
Kanye West Debuts Baby North During Ridiculous Interview With Kris Jenner|Kevin Fallon|August 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In 2008, the economy was already eight months into a deep recession; in 2011, the recovery was sputtering along in very low gear.
Stock Market Ignores Washington Brinksmanship Due to Strong Economy|Daniel Gross|December 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Fanchon is deeply interested in the bacon omelette as she watches it browning and sputtering over the fire.
Child Life In Town And Country|Anatole France
Pulling the pin, he tossed the sputtering bomb through a window of the burning building.
The Great Potlatch Riots|Allen Kim Lang
She stopped suddenly, raised the sputtering candle, and peered into his eyes with a vague, wavering intensity.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete|Gilbert Parker
Mary and I sat in silence, the house quaking overhead, the tempest howling without, the fire between us sputtering with raindrops.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI|Robert Louis Stevenson
He did so a few seconds later, sputtering and growling, scarcely able to contain his rage.
The Pony Rider Boys in Texas|Frank Gee Patchin