smatter

[ smat-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.
2. to dabble in.

noun

1. a slight or superficial knowledge; smattering:

   She gets by with only a smatter of musical knowledge.

2. a small amount or number; smattering:

   a smatter of applause; smatters of nervous laughter.

smatter

/ ˈsmætə /

noun

1. a smattering

verb

1. rare.
   intr to prattle
2. archaic.
   tr to dabble in

Derived Forms

• ˈsmatterer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; further origin uncertain; perhaps from Scandinavian; Danish, Norwegian smadre “to splash, smash (to pieces),” Swedish smattra “to clatter, rattle” ( Middle Low German smetern “to chatter”), but the semantic development is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter¹

C14 (in the sense: to prattle): of uncertain origin; compare Middle High German smetern to gossip

Example Sentences

Tesla receives only a smattering of federal contracts, according to USAspending.gov, a database that tracks U.S. government spending.

From Los Angeles Times

Like others who supported McDonnell, her comments were met by a smattering of both applause and jeers.

From Los Angeles Times

There have been a smattering of surprises - not least one notable example, a recent respected survey of Republican-leaning Iowa giving Harris a shock lead.

From BBC

In recent years, Franco has only had a smattering of credits following his 2018 #MeToo reckoning, when former acting students accused him of sexual misconduct and exploitative behavior.

From Salon

When Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee, a smattering of identity-based affinity groups burst into being, including the Latter-day Saints committees.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• several
• some