splutter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, occasionally literary.
Quick answer
What does “splutter” mean?
To speak quickly and unclearly with short, explosive sounds, especially when surprised, angry, or choking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To speak quickly and unclearly with short, explosive sounds, especially when surprised, angry, or choking.
To make a series of short, sharp, spitting or choking noises; to produce something (like words or liquid) in a rapid, messy, and explosive manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Both use the word for speech and mechanical/spitting sounds. No significant dialectal divergence.
Connotations
Same in both: conveys agitation, indignation, or physical distress.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but well-established in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “splutter” in a Sentence
[S] + splutter (intransitive)[S] + splutter + [O] (direct speech)[S] + splutter + (out) + [O] (words, explanation)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “splutter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spluttered on his tea, utterly shocked by the news.
- The motorbike spluttered and died at the lights.
American English
- 'That's absurd!' she spluttered, her face turning red.
- The old lawnmower spluttered to a halt.
adverb
British English
- (Rare, derived) 'B-but...' he said splutteringly.
- The engine started splutteringly.
American English
- (Rare, derived) The apology came out splutteringly.
- The faucet ran splutteringly before the water stopped.
adjective
British English
- (Rare, derived) He gave a spluttering denial.
- The candle died with a spluttering sound.
American English
- (Rare, derived) A spluttering protest came from the back row.
- We heard the spluttering noise of a failing generator.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The CEO spluttered a response to the unexpected question.'
Academic
Very rare, except in literary analysis.
Everyday
Common for describing flustered speech or faulty engines/appliances.
Technical
Used in mechanics/engineering informally to describe an irregular combustion sound.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “splutter”
- Confusing spelling with 'sputter' (they are largely interchangeable).
- Using it for calm, deliberate speech.
- Misspelling as 'splatter' (which is for liquids).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are largely synonymous and often interchangeable. 'Sputter' is slightly more common for mechanical sounds (engines, sparks), while 'splutter' leans slightly more towards agitated speech, but the overlap is significant.
Metaphorically, yes. E.g., 'He spluttered an angry email' suggests it was written hastily and emotionally. Literally, it refers to speech or sound.
Mostly, as it implies a loss of control. It can be humorous or neutral when describing an engine starting ('splutter into life'), but for speech, it typically conveys agitation, surprise, or indignation.
Yes, the act or sound itself can be called 'a splutter'. E.g., 'The announcement was met with a splutter of disbelief from the crowd.'
To speak quickly and unclearly with short, explosive sounds, especially when surprised, angry, or choking.
Splutter is usually informal, occasionally literary. in register.
Splutter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsplʌt.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsplʌt̬.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “splutter into life (for an engine starting hesitantly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SPLashing + spUTTERing = SPLUTTER. Imagine someone so surprised they spit out their drink while trying to utter words.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGITATION IS EXPLOSIVE/ERRUPTIVE SOUND (speech as a malfunctioning engine).
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is 'splutter' LEAST appropriate?