sputter
/ˈspʌtər/
verb
- To make a series of short, explosive popping or spitting sounds, often irregularly.
- The candle sputtered and went out in the draft.
- The old car engine sputtered before finally starting.
- The campfire sputtered as the rain began to fall.
- To speak in a confused, hesitant, or explosive way, often because of anger or embarrassment.
- He sputtered an apology when he realized his mistake.
- The witness sputtered out a few words but couldn't finish the sentence.
- She sputtered with indignation at the unfair accusation.
- To proceed or function in a weak, uneven, or faltering manner.
- The economy sputtered along after the recession.
- The project sputtered to a halt when funding ran out.
- His career sputtered for years before he found success.
noun
- A series of short, explosive popping or spitting sounds.
- The engine gave a final sputter and died.
- The firework ended with a weak sputter instead of a bang.
- We heard the sputter of a distant motorcycle.
- Confused or hesitant speech.
- The speech was a sputter of excuses and denials.
- She managed only a sputter in response to the shocking news.
- His explanation was a nervous sputter of half-finished sentences.