splutters; spluttered; spluttering
1
: to make a series of short, loud noises like the noises of someone who is struggling to breathe
She coughed and spluttered as she climbed out of the icy water.
The old lawn mower spluttered [=sputtered] to life. [=noisily started working]
2
: to say (something) in short, confused phrases
When I demanded an explanation, he just stood there spluttering.
She spluttered an excuse.
"Th-that's simply not true," he spluttered.
Cite this Entry
“Splutter.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/splutter. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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