stammer
verb (used without object)
to speak with involuntary breaks and pauses, or with spasmodic repetitions of syllables or sounds.
stammering
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present participleof stammer.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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a word derived from
stammer.
stammerverb (used without object)to speak with involuntary breaks and pauses, or with spasmodic repetitions of syllables or sounds.
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.
Smith, as you might expect, was confused by this line of questioning, stammering that he didn’t recall attending any Hawks games.
From Slate ● Sep. 29, 2026
Frazier’s natural skill as an “Entertainment Tonight” host helped smooth the transitions to Malkin’s stammering and distracting voice, but their worthless gushing detracted from the moment.
From Salon ● Jan. 12, 2026
After one of his sketches, the actual Sid Caesar might ever so briefly, in a stammering voice, appear before a commercial break to say: “We’ll be right back.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 14, 2025
That can include difficulties with learning new words, understanding non-verbal cues or stammering during speech.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2025
And among those many voices, and stammering with his own, John would care no longer for her testimony.
From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin
