smattering

1 of 2

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

smattering

2 of 2

present participle of smatter entry 1

Synonyms of smattering

Noun

• handful
• couple
• few

Examples of smattering in a Sentence

Noun

She only knows a smattering of German.

a smattering of guests at the art exhibit

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The sides were also spectacular and included a smattering of traditional favorites like creamed spinach and truffle mac and cheese. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026

Over just a smattering of EPs, her intricate, dream-logic electro-folk-rock has captivated A-list peers. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

IndieWire just returned from the Virginia Film Festival in charming Charlottesville, which drew a smattering of starry attendees and showcased awards-season favorites on the big screen. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026

Its new members of parliament range from academics to athletes, with a smattering of economists and engineers. — Guy De Launey, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for smattering

• battering
• chattering
• clattering
• flattering
• pattering
• scattering
• shattering
• spattering
• backscattering
• unflattering

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