putter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1-B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “putter” mean?
To be busy in a relaxed, unhurried way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be busy in a relaxed, unhurried way; to spend time in idle or random activity.
1. In golf, the club used on the green for making short, gentle strokes to roll the ball into the hole. 2. To move or work in a relaxed, aimless, or ineffective manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'putter' (meaning to busy oneself idly) is almost exclusively American English. The British equivalent is 'potter' (as in 'potter about'). The noun 'putter' (golf club) is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
In AmE, 'putter' is a neutral-to-positive word for unhurried puttering. In BrE, using 'putter' for this activity sounds distinctly American.
Frequency
The verb 'putter' (leisurely activity) has high frequency in AmE, very low in BrE. The noun (golf) has equal frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “putter” in a Sentence
putter + around/aboutputter + prepositional phrase (e.g., in the garage)putter + with + NP (e.g., with tools)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “putter” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He selected his favourite putter for the final hole.
- A mallet-style putter is popular on fast greens.
American English
- He grabbed his putter from the golf bag.
- She bought a new blade putter for her birthday.
verb
British English
- He likes to potter in his greenhouse on Sundays.
- She spent the afternoon pottering about, tidying up.
American English
- He likes to putter in his garage on Sundays.
- She spent the afternoon puttering around, fixing little things.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; implies unproductive time ('He's just puttering around the office').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common for describing relaxed weekend or hobby activities ('I spent the morning puttering in the shed').
Technical
Specific to golf equipment and technique.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “putter”
- Using 'putter' as a general synonym for 'work' (it requires the leisurely connotation).
- Using BrE 'potter' in AmE contexts or vice versa.
- Confusing the verb with the golf noun in context ('He used his putter to putter around' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Putter' (verb) is the standard American English term for engaging in idle, leisurely activity. 'Potter' is the British English equivalent with the same meaning. They are regional variants.
Yes, but with a specific character. It describes a vehicle or machine moving with a series of light, popping sounds ('the old boat puttered across the lake') or a person moving in an unhurried, aimless manner.
No, the verb sense is informal and conversational. The noun (golf club) is neutral and technical within the context of sports.
Typically not. 'Puttering' implies engaging in minor, often trivial tasks without a clear goal or significant outcome. The value is in the process, not the product.
To be busy in a relaxed, unhurried way.
Putter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʌtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʌtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “putter out (to fade or die gradually, e.g., 'the engine puttered out')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the soft, irregular sound of a small engine: 'put-put-put' -> to PUTTER is to move with that same unhurried, intermittent rhythm.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEISURELY ACTIVITY IS AIMLESS MOVEMENT (e.g., puttering around).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses 'putter' in its most common American English sense?