stammer

verb stam·mer \ ˈsta-mər \

Updated on: 17 Mar 2018

Definition of stammer

stammered; stammering play \ˈsta-mə-riŋ, ˈstam-riŋ\

intransitive verb

: to make involuntary stops and repetitions in speaking : stutter

transitive verb

: to utter with involuntary stops or repetitions

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stammer

noun

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stammerer

play \ˈsta-mər-ər\ noun

See stammer defined for English-language learners

See stammer defined for kids

Examples of stammer in a Sentence

“I d-don't know what you're talking about!” she stammered.
He stammered an excuse and fled.

Recent Examples of stammer from the Web

In that conversation, recorded by investigators, Jones stammered and did not give a clear answer.

— pauline repard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Stepdad testifies: 'No way' would he strike Jahi Turner," 8 Mar. 2018
In an interview, Mr. Rodriguez tried to describe the fight, but stammered and fell silent several times before beginning to cry.

— dave philipps, New York Times, "A Marine Attacked an Iraqi Restaurant. But Was It a Hate Crime or PTSD?," 18 Oct. 2017
Jimmy Stewart never was, stammering, humble appearances to the contrary.

— rondi adamson, WSJ, "A ‘Pill’ Is That Person You Just Can’t Take," 24 Aug. 2017
Trump grew weary of Sean Spicer’s attempt to stammer appropriate niceties to the Fake News MSM.

— tiana lowe, National Review, "Keeping Up with the Mooches," 28 July 2017
Hugh Grant There is room in this show's sprawling universe for a charming, stammering, slightly disheveled rake, isn't there?

— dave holmes, Esquire, "Who Will Be the Next Great Game of Thrones Guest Star?," 18 July 2017
SHODAN was like a black widow spider, a paralyzing, godlike presence whose seductive brilliance and stammering balefulness made her one of gaming's most memorable antagonists.

— SI.com, "The 15 Most Influential Video Game Characters of All Time," 4 July 2017
SHODAN was like a black widow spider, a paralyzing, godlike presence whose seductive brilliance and stammering balefulness made her one of gaming's most memorable antagonists.

— SI.com, "The 15 Most Influential Video Game Characters of All Time," 4 July 2017
SHODAN was like a black widow spider, a paralyzing, godlike presence whose seductive brilliance and stammering balefulness made her one of gaming's most memorable antagonists.

— SI.com, "The 15 Most Influential Video Game Characters of All Time," 4 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of stammer

Middle English stameren, from Old English stamerian; akin to Old High German stamalōn to stammer, Old Norse stemma to hinder, damn up — more at stem

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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STAMMER Defined for English Language Learners

stammer

verb

Definition of stammer for English Language Learners

: to speak with many pauses and repetitions because you have a speech problem or because you are very nervous, frightened, etc.

STAMMER Defined for Kids

stammer

verb stam·mer \ ˈsta-mər \

Definition of stammer for Students

stammered; stammering

: to speak with involuntary stops and much repeating

stammer

noun

Definition of stammer for Students

: an act or instance of speaking with involuntary stops and much repeating

Medical Dictionary

stammer

intransitive verb stam·mer \ ˈstam-ər \

medical Definition of stammer

stammered; stammering play \-(ə-)riŋ\

: to make involuntary stops and repetitions in speaking : stutter

stammer

noun

medical Definition of stammer

1 : an act or instance of stammering

2 : the habitual tendency to stammer

a severe stammer

: stammering 2

Learn More about stammer

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

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stammer

stammerer

Examples of stammer in a Sentence

Recent Examples of stammer from the Web

Origin and Etymology of stammer

STAMMER Defined for English Language Learners

stammer

Definition of stammer for English Language Learners

STAMMER Defined for Kids

stammer

Definition of stammer for Students

stammer

Definition of stammer for Students

Medical Dictionary

stammer

medical Definition of stammer

stammer

medical Definition of stammer

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