sputtered; sputtering; sputters
1
: to spit or squirt from the mouth with explosive sounds
2
: to utter hastily or explosively in confusion or excitement
"that's ridiculous!" she sputtered
3
: to dislodge (atoms) from the surface of a material by collision with high energy particles
also
: to deposit (a metallic film) by such a process
1
: to spit or squirt particles of food or saliva noisily from the mouth
2
: to speak explosively or confusedly in anger or excitement
3
: to make explosive popping sounds
sputterer
noun
1
: confused and excited speech or discussion
2
: the act or sound of sputtering
Synonyms
Examples of sputter in a Sentence
Verb
The motor sputtered and died.
He was sputtering with rage.
She sputtered an angry protest.
“You, you have to be kidding!” he sputtered.
Recent Examples on the Web
Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Herbert threw just his third interception of the season in the first half as the Chargers’ offense – outside of Cameron Dicker, the kicker – sputtered and stalled.
—Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 19 Dec. 2024
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Profits are being squeezed as the European economy sputters and sales stagnate, particularly in the most important market, Germany.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sputter 
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Verb
The passing offense sputtered uncharacteristically.
—Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Herbert threw just his third interception of the season in the first half as the Chargers’ offense – outside of Cameron Dicker, the kicker – sputtered and stalled.
—Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
Not surprisingly, Chinese President Xi Jinping continues to rail against duties as his country’s economy sputters.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Profits are being squeezed as the European economy sputters and sales stagnate, particularly in the most important market, Germany.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sputter
Dictionary Entries Near sputter
Cite this Entry
“Sputter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sputter. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sputter
1 of 2 verb
sput·ter
ˈspət-ər 
1
: to spit or squirt pieces of food or saliva noisily from the mouth
2
: to speak or utter hastily or explosively in confusion or excitement
sputtered out protests
3
: to make explosive popping sounds
the motor sputtered and died
sputterer
noun
-ər-ər
sputter
2 of 2 noun
: the act or sound of sputtering
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