splutter Hear it!

splutter Definition

splut·ter (splutər)

intransitive verb

  1. to make hissing or spitting sounds, or to throw off particles in an explosive way, as something frying; sputter
  2. to speak hurriedly and confusedly, as when excited or embarrassed

Etymology: var. of sputter

transitive verb

  1. to utter hurriedly and confusedly; sputter
  2. to spatter

noun

  1. a spluttering sound or utterance
  2. a loud sputtering or splash

splutter Related Forms

splut·terer noun splut·tery adjective

splutter Synonyms

splutter

v.

  1. Stammer

    stutter, stumble, gabble; see stammer.

  2. To spit

    spew, spray, hiss; see spit.

splutter Usage Examples

Object

  • engine: Beneath him the rumble of the engines spluttered into life.
  • bit: Once he realized that I was not going to let go of his hand he came back and coughed and spluttered a bit.
  • something: While Tony splutters something incomprehensible about five tests, Peter Caruana, Gibraltar's chief minister, outlines his plans.
  • mess: It could be a spluttering mess; it was never going to be anything but a spluttering mess.
  • noise: Hmmm. ' A brief moment of brittle silence was broken by spluttering noises from Mark Turner ( of Track and Classics ) beside me.

Converse of object

make: The rush of air from the cart made each one splutter.

Preposition: into

life: Beneath him the rumble of the engines spluttered into life.

Modifying Another Word

  • back: Edgar's brave challenge ended when the coil gave way, causing him to splutter back to the pits.
  • then: On the first bump ( no kick start, still looking for one ) it coughed and spluttered then died.
  • not: I'm trying to work toward not spluttering with incomprehension because not everyone else shares my tastes.

Noun used with modifier

engine: Another sharp turn of the starting handle and the single cylinder, 700cc engine splutters, coughs and bursts into life.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • over: There was one moment, when she spluttered over her glass.
  • along: This Open House is spluttering along, seeking ways to meet the particular needs of London juniors.