sputtering
1
6.2
- noun
- /ˈspʌtərɪŋ/
- After being dropped, the old generator began sputtering and finally stopped working.
Examples
-
Three balls of force, hissing and sputtering, trailing flashes and sparks in the air, hurtled into the Elf-Eater's carapace.
Fiction book (1992) -
The quiet sputtering of the fire had a timeless quality that soothed me.
Fiction book (1994) -
As the car started, I heard a sputtering noise coming from the engine.
-
The ancient campfire was sputtering as the wind blew, struggling to stay alive.
Synonyms
21
3.8
A series of short sharp sounds like the noise from a fire or static
13
4.0
A series of short, sharp noises like something loose hitting
2
6.2
A sudden wet sound when liquid hits a hot pan or window
2
5.1
A fast, repeated noise moving machine parts make
1
5.3
A series of short explosive sounds from an engine or fire
1
7.7
Short, sharp popping sounds made by a machine, rain, or similar things
How Noisy
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Sputtering comes from the sound word sputter, which copies short, sharp noises like 'spit' or little bursts of air or flame. So, sputtering describes a series of quick, popping or spattering sounds, like a failing engine or a weak fire.