smattering

noun

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

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 Free tier has a smattering of major-label music, too. PCMAG, 28 Oct. 2024 Dawson recommends curating them into a cool photo gallery wall with a smattering of current and back-in-the-day pictures that reflect your family’s personal story. Christina Cush, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024 With the 2024 presidential election just over a week away, a smattering of complaints have been lodged about signs pulling Houdini acts from yards in Colerain Township, as well as elsewhere in Ohio and Kentucky. Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 28 Oct. 2024 After leaving President Bush's cabinet in 2005 the Thompsons juggled many different residences, including a smattering of townhomes around Alexandria, Virginia. Genevieve Redsten, Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near smattering

Cite this Entry

“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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