noun
sputtering
Sputtering (noun) means a series of short, irregular popping or spitting noises. Example: “The old engine's sputtering got worse as it warmed up.”
noun
1
A series of short, irregular popping or spitting noises.
"The old engine's sputtering got worse as it warmed up."
2
In physics, a process of knocking atoms off a surface by bombarding it with particles, used to coat materials with a thin film.
"Sputtering is used in manufacturing to deposit thin metal coatings on glass."
How to use sputtering
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe spitting, popping sound something (like an engine) makes when it's struggling to run, or a technical coating process in physics.
Common pairings
sputtering engine
sputtering flame
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Word forms
- Plural
- sputterings
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The old engine's _____ got worse as it warmed up.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sputtering
peering
tapering
lowering
covering
offering
entering
altering
cheering
steering
uttering
ordering
towering
See all rhymes for sputtering →
Frequently asked questions
What does “sputtering” mean?
The word “sputtering” means a series of short, irregular popping or spitting noises. In plain terms, the spitting, popping sound something (like an engine) makes when it's struggling to run, or a technical coating process in physics.
How do you use “sputtering” in a sentence?
Here is “sputtering” used in a sentence: “The old engine's sputtering got worse as it warmed up.”
What part of speech is “sputtering”?
“Sputtering” is a noun.
How many meanings does “sputtering” have?
“Sputtering” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a series of short, irregular popping or spitting noises.
