smattering

noun

smat·​ter·​ing ˈsma-tə-riŋ How to pronounce smattering (audio)
1
: superficial piecemeal knowledge
a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklayingAlva Johnston
2
: a small scattered number or amount
a smattering of spectators

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
With the 2024 presidential election just over a week away, a smattering of complaints have been lodged about signs pulling Houdini acts from yards in Colerain Township, as well as elsewhere in Ohio and Kentucky. Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 28 Oct. 2024 After leaving President Bush's cabinet in 2005 the Thompsons juggled many different residences, including a smattering of townhomes around Alexandria, Virginia. Genevieve Redsten, Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024 Hot, sunny weather is forecast for this weekend’s Denver Walls mural festival, which makes being outside easy during an event that unites muralists from Denver with a smattering from around the U.S. and the globe. Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024 Now there are fewer of those huge mega deals, but there is still a smattering of different types of things. Jason Parham, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for smattering 

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smattering was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near smattering

Cite this Entry

“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

smattering

noun
smat·​ter·​ing ˈsmat-ə-riŋ How to pronounce smattering (audio)
1
: a small amount of knowledge
a smattering of French
2
: a small scattered number

More from Merriam-Webster on smattering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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