Sputter: meaning, definitions and examples

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sputter

[ ˈspʌtər ]

^{Context #1}

sound production

Make a series of soft explosive sounds, typically when being heated or as a symptom of a fault.

Synonyms

hiss, spit, splutter

Examples of usage

The engine sputtered and died.
The bacon sputtered in the frying pan.

^{Context #2}

speech

Speak in a hesitant or unsteady way.

Synonyms

mumble, stammer, stutter

Examples of usage

She sputtered out an apology.
He sputtered with indignation.

^{Context #3}

sound

A series of soft explosive sounds typically caused by something such as a fault in an electrical circuit.

Synonyms

hiss, spit, splutter

Examples of usage

The radio emitted a sputter of static.
There was a sputter of sparks from the faulty wire.

Translations

Translations of the word "sputter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gaguejar

🇮🇳 अटकना

🇩🇪 stottern

🇮🇩 terbata-bata

🇺🇦 затинатися

🇵🇱 jąkać się

🇯🇵 つぶやく

🇫🇷 bafouiller

🇪🇸 balbucear

🇹🇷 kekelemek

🇰🇷 더듬거리다

🇸🇦 تلعثم

🇨🇿 koktat

🇸🇰 koktať

🇨🇳 结结巴巴

🇸🇮 jecljati

🇮🇸 stama

🇰🇿 тұтығу

🇬🇪 დაბნევა

🇦🇿 kəkələmək

🇲🇽 balbucear

Word origin

The word 'sputter' originated in the early 17th century, possibly imitative of the sound itself. It has since been used to describe a variety of soft explosive sounds, both in terms of sound production and speech. The word has evolved to encompass both literal and figurative meanings, capturing the essence of hesitation, instability, and sporadic bursts of sound.