smattering

noun

smat·​ter·​ing ˈsma-tə-riŋ 

1

: superficial piecemeal knowledge

a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklaying

—Alva Johnston

2

: a small scattered number or amount

a smattering of spectators

Synonyms

• couple
• few
• handful
• scatter
• scattering
• smatter
• sprinkle
• sprinkling

Examples of smattering in a Sentence

She only knows a smattering of German.

a smattering of guests at the art exhibit

Recent Examples on the Web

Enjoy one — or a few — while taking in this smattering of Christmas decor. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024

Add a smattering of warm pinks, reds, and purples to your couch via this crocheted pillow. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

The Wild have had a smattering of injuries this season to Johansson, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jared Spurgeon, Brodin and Hartman, yet persevered through. —Michael Russo, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

And a smattering of new hotels in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer province and Oman’s capital, Muscat, will make these Middle Eastern destinations more attractive to visitors than ever before. —Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

smattering

noun

smat·​ter·​ing ˈsmat-ə-riŋ 

1

: a small amount of knowledge

a smattering of French

2

: a small scattered number