stuttering

1 of 2

noun

stut·​ter·​ing ˈstə-tər-iŋ 

: a disorder of vocal communication marked by involuntary disruption or blocking of speech (as by abnormal repetition, prolongation, or stoppage of vocal sounds) : disfluency

stuttering

2 of 2

present participle of stutter entry 1

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The one without an AirJet was a stuttering slideshow at barely a single frame per second, while the other was cracking 9, 10, even 11fps. —Sean Hollister, The Verge, 23 May 2023

In these previously unpublished stories, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrightoffers spirited sketches of Depression-era America through characters navigating stuttering careers, steamy affairs and new beginnings. —New York Times, 12 Apr. 2023

The first suggestion that stuttering might be neurological came in 1928. —Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2021

Removing our feet from the pedals and leaving the hard work to the software, the car crawled downhill at about 4 mph, alternately increasing and decreasing brake pressure with a stuttering action, occasionally adding throttle and diverting torque as needed with remarkable efficacy. —Andrew Wendler, Car and Driver, 9 May 2023

Joe Biden, who occasionally stumbles over his words (apparently an artifact of his youthful stuttering)? —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023

But the stuttering shock that sent Shiv, Roman and Kendall into the emotions, posture and even voices of childhood was universal. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2023

The exact cause of stuttering is still unknown. —Xiaofan Lei, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2022

No stuttering! —Andy Kessler, WSJ, 2 May 2021

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Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

stuttering

noun

1

: the act of one who stutters

2

: a disorder of vocal communication marked by involuntary disruption or blocking of speech (as by abnormal repetition, prolongation, or stoppage of vocal sounds) : disfluency