smattering

1 of 2

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

smattering

2 of 2

present participle of smatter entry 1

Synonyms of smattering

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Noun

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Examples of smattering in a Sentence

Noun She only knows a smattering of German. a smattering of guests at the art exhibit
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
IndieWire just returned from the Virginia Film Festival in charming Charlottesville, which drew a smattering of starry attendees and showcased awards-season favorites on the big screen. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 Its new members of parliament range from academics to athletes, with a smattering of economists and engineers. — Guy De Launey, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 Peppered between political content on the Bulletin’s social media feeds is a smattering of reels related to nonpolitical news, often featuring videos lifted directly from local TV stations. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 Sinot then applied a smattering of rhinestones to Larsson's inner crease, but most of the sparkle was concentrated just past her outer lashes and up her temples in a wing-like shape. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smattering

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 1 Nov. 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
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