sputter
verb (used without object)
to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
were 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.
Heading into third-quarter earnings in early October, stocks were sputtering as investors worried about persistently high inflation and rising oil prices.
From New York Times ● Jan. 11, 2024
When the offenses were sputtering in the first half, Thompson was there, galloping and absorbing contact for two wild and-one finishes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2023
McCaffrey was languishing in last place in Carolina and the Niners were sputtering a bit on offense when they sent four draft picks to the Panthers to add McCaffrey.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 27, 2023
"We were sputtering all night on offense," LeBlanc said, "so it was great to be able to have those chances in the second half."
From Fox News ● Nov. 5, 2021
At the top of the highest spire, the last few flickers of a safety sparkler were sputtering out.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
