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
Maye’s Blue team took a 47-38 loss to the White team headlined by backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs and a smattering of defensive starters.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
Macron’s decision is a bold one – following a smattering of European allies: Ireland, Norway and Spain – but leading the way for major international powers to follow suit.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Then, the pale pink base polish (the timeless Essie Ballet Slippers) was topped off with a seemingly random smattering of the eye-catching gems, attached with builder gel.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 21 July 2025
Yun said there were more players than the usual 50 or so, and campers were between the ages of 8 and 12 – mostly Lincolnwood residents with a smattering of participants from Skokie and Chicago.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smattering
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Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
Macron’s decision is a bold one – following a smattering of European allies: Ireland, Norway and Spain – but leading the way for major international powers to follow suit.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Then, the pale pink base polish (the timeless Essie Ballet Slippers) was topped off with a seemingly random smattering of the eye-catching gems, attached with builder gel.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 21 July 2025
Yun said there were more players than the usual 50 or so, and campers were between the ages of 8 and 12 – mostly Lincolnwood residents with a smattering of participants from Skokie and Chicago.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 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 20 Aug. 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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