splutter
verb (used without object)
to talk rapidly and somewhat incoherently, as when confused, excited, or embarrassed.
was spluttering
-
past progressiveof splutter.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
As Muhammad Ali's career was spluttering into darkness in the late 1970s, Leonard began to dazzle.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2016
He was spluttering and gasping, but he was able to keep going.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
Esther set the large tin candlestick, on which a wick was spluttering, on the kitchen table, and William looked at her inquiringly.
From Esther Waters by George (George Augustus) Moore
On the table a tallow candle was spluttering and throwing a very feeble circle of light around.
From Castles in the Air by Emmuska Orczy, Baroness Orczy
While he was spluttering, William, who had just discovered that his bird had flown, appeared at the window.
From More William by Richmal Crompton
