smattering

noun

smat·​ter·​ing ˈsma-tə-riŋ How to pronounce smattering (audio)
1
: superficial piecemeal knowledge
a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklayingAlva Johnston
2
: a small scattered number or amount
a smattering of spectators

Examples of smattering in a Sentence

She only knows a smattering of German. a smattering of guests at the art exhibit
Recent Examples on the Web Gravity pulled the matter inward while light pushed it outward, and the struggle set off density ripples spreading outward from a smattering of initial dense spots in the soup. Charlie Wood, WIRED, 28 Apr. 2024 Including a smattering of previews over the latest weekend, the film finished Wednesday with a cumulative of $5.26 million earned from 862,000 spectators. Patrick Frater, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024 It’s finished in a rich coat of Mulliner Extended Range of Veridian with a smattering of Satin Bronze accent work and wears the Carbon Fiber Pack aero kit. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024 Next season in Chicago will be on par with the one that just ended: 40 performances of six titles, with a smattering of concerts. Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024 Maybe the unexpected smattering of business travelers and a young family booked based on pictures and price via a conventional accommodation platform. Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024 Instead of pursuing drama, Bush Hager participated in a smattering of other extracurriculars. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024 Since then, Huy Fong has relied on a smattering of other chili pepper producers. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024 The program began about a year ago, joining a smattering of similar initiatives at detention facilities across the country, from Washington to Minnesota to Georgia. Alicia Devine, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'smattering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smattering was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near smattering

Cite this Entry

“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

smattering

noun
smat·​ter·​ing ˈsmat-ə-riŋ How to pronounce smattering (audio)
1
: a small amount of knowledge
a smattering of French
2
: a small scattered number

More from Merriam-Webster on smattering

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