smattering

[ smat-er-ing ]

noun

1. a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something:

   a smattering of Latin.

2. a small amount or number:

   She’s written a smattering of poetry.

adjective

1. slight or superficial.

smattering

/ ˈsmætərɪŋ /

noun

1. a slight or superficial knowledge
2. a small amount

Derived Forms

• ˈsmatteringly, adverb

Other Words From

• smatter·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smattering¹

First recorded in 1530–40; smatter + -ing ¹( def ).

Example Sentences

At first, just a smattering of travelers tested positive, triggering work-from-home orders and panicked searches for masks.

From Washington Post

In other words, each of us has a smattering of brain cells dedicated to modeling another mind inside our own heads.

From Singularity Hub 

There’s already a smattering of participants that includes schools, hotels and the military.

From Voice of San Diego

The TikToks performed fairly well, usually generating around 10,000 or so views and a smattering of comments.

From Washington Post

Windows offer a bit more space, as well, along with a smattering of new symbols scattered throughout first-party apps like Mail and Calendar.

From TechCrunch

The long crypt tunnels into a hillside, only visible by a smattering of skylights peeking up between graves.

From The Daily Beast

There was a smattering of clean-cut sensation seekers and a few actual Hindus as well.

From The Daily Beast

“I will be here in August 2014,” he thundered to a smattering of laughs and applause.

From The Daily Beast

For the non-greenhorn, though, there is fun to be had in the smattering of fearless, at times audacious, assertions.

From The Daily Beast

“There were a smattering of reactions,” Hoyt told The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

All that was necessary was a slight knowledge of a Cabinet Minister, and a smattering of schooling.

From Project Gutenberg

No man who ever was in a quarry or gravel pit will say so, much less one who has the least smattering of chemistry or geology.

From Project Gutenberg

A Canadian who had picked up a smattering of German acted as interpreter.

From Project Gutenberg

For he had some sort of smattering of English literature which a Public School boy has no business to possess.

From Project Gutenberg

I had some smattering of geometry and fortification; my uncle was an engineer; I was in a manner a soldier by inheritance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• modicum
• smidgen