splutter

[ spluht-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to talk rapidly and somewhat incoherently, as when confused, excited, or embarrassed:

   When pushed for an explanation, he always spluttered.

2. to make a sputtering sound, or emit particles of something explosively, as water dropped onto a hot griddle.
3. to fly or fall in particles or drops; spatter, as a liquid.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter hastily and confusedly or incoherently; sputter:

   Out of breath, she spluttered a poor excuse for her lateness.

2. to spatter (a liquid, small particles, etc.).
3. to bespatter (someone or something).

noun

1. spluttering utterance or talk; noise or fuss.
2. a sputtering or spattering, as of liquid.

splutter

/ ˈsplʌtə /

verb

1. to spit out (saliva, food particles, etc) from the mouth in an explosive manner, as through choking or laughing
2. to utter (words) with spitting sounds, as through rage or choking
3. Alsosputter to eject or be ejected in an explosive manner

   sparks spluttered from the fire

4. tr to bespatter (a person) with tiny particles explosively ejected

   he spluttered the boy next to him with ink

noun

1. the process or noise of spluttering
2. spluttering incoherent speech, esp in argument
3. anything ejected through spluttering

Derived Forms

• ˈsplutterer, noun

Other Words From

• splutter·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of splutter¹

1670–80; blend of splash and sputter

Word History and Origins

Origin of splutter¹

C17: variant of sputter , influenced by splash

Example Sentences

Manchester United meanwhile continue to splutter their way through the season, picking up points here and there without playing anything like the football their fans expect.

From BBC

Peaks stretch far into the distance and the volunteer delivery vans lumber and splutter over orange dirt roads, passing vertiginous drops.

From BBC

Meanwhile, one of the biggest surprises of this tournament has been to see the USA, so dominant and powerful over the years, splutter and stumble in the group stage.

From BBC

The conveyor belt was ready, the empty bottles were stacked and the machinery was about to splutter into life.

From New York Times

Some of those waiting in line stayed behind to splutter indignantly and argue their case, to no avail.

From Los Angeles Times