smoth·er
ˈsmə-t͟hər 
smothered; smothering
ˈsmə-t͟hə-riŋ
ˈsmət͟h-riŋ
1
a
: to kill by depriving of air
b
: to suppress (a fire) by excluding oxygen
c
: to overcome or discomfit through or as if through lack of air
2
3
: to overcome or kill with smoke or fumes
4
: to cook in a covered pan or pot with little liquid over low heat
: to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air
1
a
: thick stifling smoke or smudge
b
: a state of being stifled or suppressed
2
: a dense cloud (as of fog or dust)
3
: a confused multitude of things : welter
Synonyms
Examples of smother in a Sentence
Verb
He tried to smother her with a pillow.
She smothered the fire with a blanket.
Recent Examples on the Web
Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
The feast includes roasted turkey smothered in homestyle gravy, mashed potatoes, herby cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole and more.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024
Chase originally envisioned that Tony Soprano’s (James Gandolfini) mother Livia (Nancy Marchand) would die at the end of season 1 by having Tony smother her.
—Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for smother 
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.
Verb
The McRib sandwich is made with boneless barbecue pork ribs smothered in a tangy sauce and topped with onions and pickles.
—Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
The feast includes roasted turkey smothered in homestyle gravy, mashed potatoes, herby cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole and more.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
Consider applying an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil after pruning to smother scale and insect eggs to the dormant roses.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024
Chase originally envisioned that Tony Soprano’s (James Gandolfini) mother Livia (Nancy Marchand) would die at the end of season 1 by having Tony smother her.
—Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for smother
Dictionary Entries Near smother
Cite this Entry
“Smother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smother. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share