sputtering
/ˈspʌtərɪŋ/
verb
- To make a series of soft explosive or popping sounds, often because of a problem or irregularity.
- The old car engine sputtered and then died at the traffic light.
- The coffee maker sputtered loudly before finally brewing a cup.
- The campfire sputtered as the rain started to fall on the logs.
- To speak in a confused, hesitant, or angry way, with short, broken sounds.
- The politician sputtered through his response, unable to defend his position.
- When asked about the missing money, she sputtered and turned red.
- He sputtered an apology, too embarrassed to form a complete sentence.
- To fail or lose strength gradually, especially after a promising start.
- The team's winning streak sputtered when their star player got injured.
- The peace talks sputtered and eventually collapsed without an agreement.
- The company's growth sputtered after the new competitor entered the market.
noun
- A series of short, explosive sounds or bursts.
- The sputtering of the engine woke up the whole neighborhood.
- The sputtering of the fireworks was followed by a loud bang.
- We heard a sputtering from the kitchen, then the smell of burnt toast.
- Confused or hesitant speech.
- After a few seconds of sputtering, she finally managed to explain herself.
- The witness's sputtering frustrated the lawyer during the cross-examination.
- His sputtering made it clear he had no idea what to say.
adjective
- Making a series of soft explosive or popping sounds.
- The sputtering radio station was hard to understand.
- A sputtering candle cast flickering shadows on the wall.
- The sputtering engine finally gave out on the highway.
- Proceeding in a weak, uneven, or faltering way.
- The sputtering conversation died out after a few awkward minutes.
- The sputtering economy showed no signs of recovery.
- The sputtering start of the race left the crowd disappointed.