splutter

noun splut·ter \ ˈsplə-tər \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of splutter

1 : a confused noise (as of hasty speaking)

2 : a splashing or sputtering sound

Recent Examples of splutter from the Web

Government revenue can’t keep up with spending as the economy splutters and politicians squabble before May elections.

— donna abu-nasr, Bloomberg.com, "It Could Be Crunch Time for World's Third Most-Indebted Country," 5 Mar. 2018
An often excruciating speech was punctuated by coughs, splutters and brief interludes to sip water.

— james masters, CNN, "Theresa May's nightmare speech: a prankster, a lost voice and a stage set fail," 4 Oct. 2017
Its hostility to outsiders splutters on, Griffin's unstinting production (music direction is by Michael Mahler and choreography by Ericka Mac) seems to be saying.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "In Glencoe, a reminder that 'Parade' won't pass us by," 1 June 2017
No doubt this debate will rage, or splutter, for years to come.

— anthony lane, The New Yorker, "Reading Jane Austen’s Final, Unfinished Novel," 13 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'splutter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of splutter

probably alteration of sputter

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1677

See Words from the same year

splutter

verb

Definition of splutter

transitive verb

: to utter hastily or confusedly : stammer

intransitive verb

1 : to make a noise as if spitting

2 : to speak hastily and confusedly

—

splutterer

play \ˈsplə-tər-ər\ noun

See splutter defined for English-language learners

Examples of splutter in a Sentence

She coughed and spluttered as she climbed out of the icy water.
When I demanded an explanation, he just stood there spluttering.
“Th-that's simply not true,” he spluttered.

Recent Examples of splutter from the Web

When the bodies were being carried out, two of the girls turned out to still be alive, spluttering and coughing before being stabbed into silence.

— simon sebag montefiore, Town & Country, "The Devastating True Story of the Romanov Family's Execution," 5 Oct. 2016
Inconsolable, Atari sets off, at the controls of a spluttering airplane, in search of Spots.

— john cassidy, The New Yorker, "“Tomb Raider” and “Isle of Dogs,” Reviewed," 15 Mar. 2018
Make no bones about it: Everton require further firepower to prevent their season from continually spluttering, and Niasse could be the man capable of providing the goals.

— SI.com, "Why it's Time for Ronald Koeman to Bring Oumar Niasse Back in From the Everton Cold," 21 Sep. 2017
The machine, which must have been cobbled together in the underground, chuffed and spluttered smokily.

— WIRED, "What Happens When an Algorithm Helps Write Science Fiction," 11 Dec. 2017
Milan have spluttered so far this season despite Montella being handed a transfer warchest in the summer - an outlay that led to 11 new arrivals heading through the door at San Siro.

— SI.com, "Montella Handed Just Two Games to Save Job as Milan Line Up Club Legend as Potential Replacement," 31 Oct. 2017
And as the press were summoned out, Harry put aside his airs and graces and leant in to whisper Trudeau a joke — which made him loudly splutter with laughter.

— simon perry, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Harry and Melania Trump Meet at the Royal’s Third Annual Invictus Games," 23 Sep. 2017
Some of his eight predecessors would have spluttered over his idea of more disclosure, which involves wider use of social media, more interviews and more engagement with NGOs.

— The Economist, "Middleman to the worldCargill, an intensely private firm, sheds light on the food chain," 31 Aug. 2017
When the bodies were being carried out, two of the girls turned out to still be alive, spluttering and coughing before being stabbed into silence.

— simon sebag montefiore, Town & Country, "The Devastating True Story of the Romanov Family's Execution," 5 Oct. 2016

First Known Use of splutter

1693

SPLUTTER Defined for English Language Learners

splutter

verb

Definition of splutter for English Language Learners

: to make a series of short, loud noises like the noises of someone who is struggling to breathe
: to say (something) in short, confused phrases

SPLUTTER Defined for Kids

splutter

verb splut·ter \ ˈsplə-tər \

Definition of splutter for Students

spluttered; spluttering

1 : to make a noise as if spitting

The engine spluttered.

2 : to speak or say in haste or confusion

Learn More about splutter

See words that rhyme with splutter Spanish Central: Translation of splutter Britannica English: Translation of splutter for Arabic speakers

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splutter

Definition of splutter

Recent Examples of splutter from the Web

Origin and Etymology of splutter

splutter

Definition of splutter

splutterer

Examples of splutter in a Sentence

Recent Examples of splutter from the Web

First Known Use of splutter

SPLUTTER Defined for English Language Learners

splutter

Definition of splutter for English Language Learners

SPLUTTER Defined for Kids

splutter

Definition of splutter for Students

Learn More about splutter

Seen and Heard

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