scatters; scattered; scattering
1
a
: to cause (things or people) to separate and go in different directions
The wind scattered the pile of leaves.
b
: to separate and go in different directions
The crowd scattered [=dispersed] when the police arrived.
The marbles scattered across the floor.
2
: to place or leave (things) in different places
He scattered [=spread] the grass seed over the soil.
She scattered the books on the table.
He scatters his toys all around the house.
: a small number or group of things placed or found apart from each other
—usually + of
There was a scatter of empty cans and bottles on the lawn.
a scatter of houses along the river
Cite this Entry
“Scatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/scatter. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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