sputter
verb (used without object)
to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
was sputtering
-
past progressiveof sputter.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.
But 565 million years ago, the field was sputtering, dropping to 10% of today’s strength, according to a recent discovery.
From Science Magazine ● Mar. 30, 2022
Not the way their offense was sputtering, completely unable to counter what Miami was doing.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 12, 2021
The power play was struggling, the offense was sputtering, and the defense lacked stability.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 3, 2020
Just a few years ago, Sony was sputtering and Warner was the film industry’s superpower.
From New York Times ● Sep. 1, 2019
The radio was sputtering and then we could hear the announcer explain about a man named Jackie Robinson—one of our folk playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
