scat·ter·ing
ˈska-tə-riŋ 
2
: something scattered: such as
a
: a small number or quantity interspersed here and there
a scattering of visitors
b
: the random change in direction of the particles constituting a beam or wave front due to collision with particles of the medium traversed
1
: going in various directions
2
: found or placed far apart and in no order
3
: divided among many or several
scattering votes
Examples of scattering in a Sentence
Noun
the scattering of the protesters suddenly turned violent and chaotic
a scattering of people in the mostly empty theater
Recent Examples on the Web
Byandrew Curry, science.org, 1 Apr. 2024
Dust obscures many wavelengths of radiation, from optical to X-rays, but long infrared wavelengths are much less susceptible to scattering and absorption.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024
The practical side of V.R. is a scattering of wonderful niches: in addition to surgical simulation and vehicle design, the technology is used by oil companies to simulate geological structures, by drug companies to envision molecules, and by planners working on city centers.
—Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2024
The map is a clickable scattering of dead shoemakers, Welshmen felled by arrows, and one case of a guy trying to join a choir, by force, after midnight, with a sword and being struck with a sparth, or battle-axe.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024
No shows or appearances had been announced, but the dance music darling’s history of pulling surprises and a scattering of subtle hints was proof enough that something was afoot.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Feb. 2024
Between these three towns is a scattering of smaller coastal villages—Praiano, Atrani, Conca dei Marini—each with their particular charm, pocket-size piazzas, ancient churches, and carefree sea air.
—Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2023
Reducing scattering reduces resistance in the wires and lets electrons move through the device more quickly.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Dec. 2023
There was a scattering of fromagerie stalls in the streets.
—Nadia Beard, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2024
Noun
The sophisticated wood artifacts from Schöningen join finds from just a scattering of other sites, such as 476,000-year-old wood joists from Zambia published last year and spears and other tools found elsewhere in Europe.
—Byandrew Curry, science.org, 1 Apr. 2024
Dust obscures many wavelengths of radiation, from optical to X-rays, but long infrared wavelengths are much less susceptible to scattering and absorption.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024
The practical side of V.R. is a scattering of wonderful niches: in addition to surgical simulation and vehicle design, the technology is used by oil companies to simulate geological structures, by drug companies to envision molecules, and by planners working on city centers.
—Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2024
The map is a clickable scattering of dead shoemakers, Welshmen felled by arrows, and one case of a guy trying to join a choir, by force, after midnight, with a sword and being struck with a sparth, or battle-axe.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024
No shows or appearances had been announced, but the dance music darling’s history of pulling surprises and a scattering of subtle hints was proof enough that something was afoot.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Feb. 2024
Between these three towns is a scattering of smaller coastal villages—Praiano, Atrani, Conca dei Marini—each with their particular charm, pocket-size piazzas, ancient churches, and carefree sea air.
—Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2023
Reducing scattering reduces resistance in the wires and lets electrons move through the device more quickly.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Dec. 2023
There was a scattering of fromagerie stalls in the streets.
—Nadia Beard, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scattering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near scattering
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scattering. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scattering
1 of 2 noun
scat·ter·ing
ˈskat-ə-riŋ
1
: an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered
2
: something scattered
especially
: a small number or amount placed or found here and there
a scattering of visitors
scattering
2 of 2 adjective1
: going in various directions
2
: found or placed far apart and in no pattern
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