smattering

noun

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

Synonyms of smattering

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The smattering of boos toward him that started the year have grown louder. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 The restaurant has even received a smattering of new customers as well as phone calls voicing support. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 While vastly outnumbered, a smattering of Cape Verde fans were in the crowd. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 Yet, despite a smattering of citations, the work is impossible to fact-check, much less peer-review. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for smattering

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smattering was in 1538

Rhymes for smattering

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Browse Nearby Words

smatterer
smattering
smattery
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Cite this Entry

“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of smattering for Spanish Speakers

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