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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

splatter

SPLAT

Splatter (noun) means a messy, scattered pattern left by something striking a surface. Example: “There was a splatter of paint across the tarp.”

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noun

1

A messy, scattered pattern left by something striking a surface.

"There was a splatter of paint across the tarp."

2

A horror genre marked by extreme, graphic gore.

"The film is a classic of 1980s splatter horror."

verb

1

To scatter or spray messily across a surface.

"Grease splattered all over the stovetop."

"He splattered paint across the canvas for effect."

How to use splatter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA messy scatter or spray, or (as a genre) extremely gory horror.

Common pairings

splatter film blood splatter

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

splattered past tense, splatters plural, splatters singular

Test yourself on “splatter” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

There was a _____ of paint across the tarp.

Etymology

Of uncertain origin, first recorded in the 1780s — possibly a blend of splash and spatter.

· First attested 1780

Class of 1780 splatter joined the language around 1780.

international quiz

See the full Class of 1780 →

Synonyms

spill splash dab slop spatter sputtering splattering plash swash splosh sputter splutter

Related words

hit fall overall struggle pat tap wade sensation

Rhymes for splatter

matter batter hatter latter patter scatter shatter flatter chatter clatter spatter platter

See all rhymes for splatter →

Frequently asked questions

What does “splatter” mean?

The word “splatter” means a messy, scattered pattern left by something striking a surface. In plain terms, a messy scatter or spray, or (as a genre) extremely gory horror.

How do you pronounce “splatter”?

“Splatter” is pronounced SPLAT (/ˈsplætɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “splatter” in a sentence?

Here is “splatter” used in a sentence: “There was a splatter of paint across the tarp.”

What part of speech is “splatter”?

Depending on how it is used, “splatter” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “splatter” come from?

The word “splatter” dates back to around 1780. Of uncertain origin, first recorded in the 1780s — possibly a blend of splash and spatter.

How many meanings does “splatter” have?

“Splatter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a messy, scattered pattern left by something striking a surface.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial