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
Her critics have also pounced on a smattering of ethics scandals throughout her tenure as city treasurer.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Because an outfit is never complete without a bit of glitz, Alba added a smattering of diamond rings from Chopard, as well as matching diamond drop earrings.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
Winter Storm Warnings stretch from Montana to Michigan, with a smattering of Blizzard Warnings across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and the upper peninsula of Michigan.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
Areas vulnerable to soil erosion—like slopes and hillsides—may benefit more from a smattering of dryer lint.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
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Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Because an outfit is never complete without a bit of glitz, Alba added a smattering of diamond rings from Chopard, as well as matching diamond drop earrings.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
Winter Storm Warnings stretch from Montana to Michigan, with a smattering of Blizzard Warnings across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and the upper peninsula of Michigan.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
Areas vulnerable to soil erosion—like slopes and hillsides—may benefit more from a smattering of dryer lint.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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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