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
Fan reaction Here is a smattering of what fans were saying on X and Reddit.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Their return to the stage continues this year with another slate of North American shows set for the spring, including two nights at Red Rocks, plus a smattering of dates supporting country superstar Zach Bryan.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
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
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Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Their return to the stage continues this year with another slate of North American shows set for the spring, including two nights at Red Rocks, plus a smattering of dates supporting country superstar Zach Bryan.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 2 Apr. 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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