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

A series of short, irregular popping or spitting noises.

"The old engine's sputtering got worse as it warmed up."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

sputterings plural

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The old engine's _____ got worse as it warmed up.

Synonyms

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spatter splatter splattering sputter splutter spattering

Related words

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Rhymes for sputtering

peering tapering lowering covering offering entering altering cheering steering uttering ordering towering

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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.

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