Sputter: meaning, definitions and examples

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sputter

[ˈspʌtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sound production

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

Synonyms

hiss, spit, splutter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sputter	Same as above: Often used when something, like an engine or a flame, makes short, explosive sounds and works unevenly. The old car began to sputter before finally breaking down
splutter	This word is similar to 'sputter' but is more commonly associated with someone speaking quickly and incoherently, especially when they are confused or excited. He began to splutter, trying to explain what had happened The engine spluttered and then roared to life
spit	Used to refer to the action of forcefully ejecting saliva from the mouth. It can also describe someone speaking words in a sharp or angry manner. Note, this word often carries a negative connotation, especially in terms of behavior. He spit on the ground in disgust She spat the words out, barely able to contain her anger
hiss	This word is generally used to describe a sharp sibilant sound, like steam escaping or a snake making a noise. It can also refer to people showing disapproval in a low tone. The snake hissed at the approaching threat The audience began to hiss in disapproval

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Verb}

speech

Speak in a hesitant or unsteady way.

Synonyms

mumble, stammer, stutter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sputter	Sputter is often used to describe someone speaking quickly and incoherently, often due to emotions like anger or excitement. It can also refer to an irregular sound, like a motor struggling to start. He began to sputter in anger when he heard the news. The car engine sputtered and then stopped.
stammer	Stammer refers to speaking with involuntary pauses and repetitions, which can happen because of nervousness, embarrassment, or a speech disorder. He began to stammer when the spotlight was on him. She stammered an answer when the teacher called on her unexpectedly.
stutter	Stutter, similar to stammer, involves the repetition of sounds or syllables, often due to a speech impediment. It’s mostly used to describe a more chronic condition. He's been working with a speech therapist to help with his stutter. Sometimes she stutters when she's nervous.
mumble	Mumble is used when someone speaks quietly and not clearly, making it hard to understand them. This often happens when someone is shy, not confident, or doesn't want to be overheard. She mumbled an apology under her breath. The teacher had to ask him to speak up because he was mumbling.

Examples of usage

She sputtered out an apology.
He sputtered with indignation.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

sound

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

Synonyms

hiss, spit, splutter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sputter	Used when something makes a series of short explosive sounds, often due to malfunction or interruption. Can describe people when they are struggling to speak due to anger or surprise. The engine began to sputter and then died He sputtered angrily when he was interrupted
splutter	Used to describe speaking quickly and with difficulty, often due to confusion, disbelief, or when choking on something. She began to splutter when she heard the shocking news He spluttered on his drink when he started laughing
hiss	Used to describe a sharp 'ssss' sound, like that made by a snake or steam escaping. Can also describe a person speaking in a low, angry, or urgent manner. The snake hissed as I approached 'Be quiet!' she hissed at her friend
spit	Used when someone or something forcibly expels liquid from the mouth. Can also describe speaking words with aggression or disdain. This word often has a negative connotation. He took a sip of the drink and spit it out She spat out her words with contempt

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sputter' comes from the 16th century, possibly from combining 'spit' and 'quatter' which means to spit or scatter.
It initially described the way something breaks apart or makes noise, often linked to fire or engines.

Science

In physics, 'sputtering' refers to a process where atoms are ejected from a material due to bombardment of energetic particles, a key method in materials science.
This technique is used to create thin films on surfaces, important in electronics for making components like semiconductors.

Pop Culture

Sputtering is often depicted in movies or shows to suggest a character is nervous or excited, adding dramatic tension.
In cartoons, characters often sputter when surprised to emphasize their shock, making it a recognizable trope.

Literature

Authors use the term 'sputter' to create vivid imagery, portraying a character's confusion or a faltering speech in tense moments.
Notable writers like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway employed crisp, sputtering dialogue to convey urgency in their narratives.

Everyday Experiences

You might hear cars sputter when they run out of gas or if there’s a mechanical issue, signaling a problem.
Breakfast foods, like sputtering bacon in a pan, create an audible signal of cooking processes, making meals more engaging.

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 Frequency Rank

At rank #26,298, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26295 quilted
26296 standoff
26297 ostentatiously
26298 sputter
26299 werewolf
26300 hued
26301 carnation
...