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.
-
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
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’s why, despite all of our biological programming and lived experience, a random question or interaction with a child will sometimes knock you on your back and leave you stammering.
From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2025
A leading charity said there was an "ignorance around stammering" which can "result in a range of responses from suspicion of lying, to laugher and ridicule".
From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2025
“I can’t believe…” Her stammering devolves into sobs as Dad wraps both arms around her shoulders.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
