smattering
noun
smat·ter·ing
ˈsma-tə-riŋ 
1
: superficial piecemeal knowledge
a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklaying—
Alva Johnston
Alva Johnston2
: a small scattered number or amount
a smattering of spectators
Examples of smattering in a Sentence
She only knows a smattering of German.
a smattering of guests at the art exhibit
Recent Examples on the Web
The smattering of comparisons she’s been drawing to Leonard Cohen are apt for (and assuredly cherished by) the Vermont singer on her third album — the luminant vessel of a swarm of kinetic lyrical energy log jammed at the front gates of her mind, yearning for the page and demanding a romp.
—Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Greenpeace on Monday joined the smattering of protests in Venice against the upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
The Outside Summit attracted a smattering of industry leaders and brands.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 6 June 2025
After the forum resumed, Kraft was given another minute or so to repeat the part of his answer that was cut off by the crowd response, which drew a smattering of applause from the other side of the room.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025
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Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Greenpeace on Monday joined the smattering of protests in Venice against the upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
The Outside Summit attracted a smattering of industry leaders and brands.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 6 June 2025
After the forum resumed, Kraft was given another minute or so to repeat the part of his answer that was cut off by the crowd response, which drew a smattering of applause from the other side of the room.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
smattering
noun
smat·ter·ing
ˈsmat-ə-riŋ
1
: a small amount of knowledge
a smattering of French
2
: a small scattered number
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