sputter
/ˈspʌtə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [spˈʌtɚ] /ˈspʌtər/ (ame, ipa) · [spˈʌtɚ] /ˈspə-tər How to pronounce sputter (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˈspʌt.ər/ (bre, ipa) · [spˈʌtɚ] /ˈspʌt̬.ɚ/ (ame, ipa)
sputter — verb
- sputterpresent simple I / you / we / they
- sputtershe / she / it
- sputteredpast simple
- sputtering-ing form
1. to make repeated small popping sounds, often while tiny drops of liquid or bits
to make repeated small popping sounds, often while tiny drops of liquid or bits of food jump out
The old scooter sputtered for a second, then rolled out of the alley.
engine + sputter for broken popping noise
Fat sputtered in the pan when Jin dropped the fish in.
hot oil/fat + sputter
The campfire sputtered in the rain and sent sparks onto our boots.
The torch sputtered in the wind as we crossed the field.
- hum
suggests a smooth, steady machine sound
- burn steadily
describes an even flame without broken pops
文法句型
engine/fire/oil + sputter
sputter in the pan
用法筆記
Often used for engines, fires, lamps, and hot oil. When used about a person, it can suggest crumbs, saliva, or breath breaking the sound.
常見錯誤
2. to force out words in short bursts when anger, shock, or strong emotion makes sm
to force out words in short bursts when anger, shock, or strong emotion makes smooth speech impossible
"I never agreed to that!" Ada sputtered when the bill arrived.
sputter + direct speech
Noa sputtered an apology after spilling tea on the museum guide.
sputter + apology
Christopher sputtered into the phone when he heard the flight was canceled.
"How could you leave early?" Ritu sputtered at the doorway.
- say calmly
describes even, controlled speech
文法句型
sputter + apology/reply
sputter + direct speech
用法筆記
Usually describes speech under strong emotion, not calm conversation. The words often come out as a short reply, protest, or apology.
常見錯誤
3. to keep going in a weak, uneven way so that success or progress starts to look d
to keep going in a weak, uneven way so that success or progress starts to look doubtful
Talks on the rent dispute sputtered through June without any clear deal.
talks/negotiations + sputter
The local economy sputtered after the factory closed and orders dried up.
Dylan's campaign sputtered once donors stopped answering his evening calls.
Bus service sputtered during the snowstorm, leaving commuters stuck downtown.
- falter
suggests losing strength or confidence
- stall
often implies progress almost stops completely
- limp along
emphasizes continuing weakly for some time
- gain momentum
become stronger and more effective as it continues
文法句型
economy/campaign/talks + sputter
用法筆記
Used for plans, campaigns, negotiations, economies, and similar activities that no longer move forward strongly.
常見錯誤
sputter — noun
- sputtersingular
- sputtersplural
1. a short popping noise made by something that is burning, cooking, or trying to r
a short popping noise made by something that is burning, cooking, or trying to run
A sharp sputter came from the grill as rain hit the coals.
a sputter from + source
We heard a sputter from the lamp before the room went dark.
The engine gave one last sputter and stopped beside the bridge.
Eleni laughed at the sputter of oil jumping around the pot.
- silence
complete absence of sound
文法句型
a sputter
give a sputter
用法筆記
Often refers to one brief sound in a longer series of broken noises.
2. rushed, broken speech said in anger, panic, or excitement
rushed, broken speech said in anger, panic, or excitement
The witness answered with a sputter of protest after the judge interrupted him.
a sputter of + protest
Mayumi's answer was a sputter of excuses after the missing cash was found.
Reporters wrote down his sputter of angry denials outside court.
The store manager met the complaint with a sputter of defensive questions.
- calm explanation
steady, controlled speech
文法句型
a sputter of + noun
用法筆記
Usually appears in phrases like 'a sputter of excuses' or 'a sputter of protest', where the focus is on flustered delivery rather than on a full discussion.