smattering
noun
smat·ter·ing
ˈsma-tə-riŋ 
1
: superficial piecemeal knowledge
a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklaying—
Alva Johnston
Alva Johnston2
: 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
So far, only a smattering of animal studies and small observational studies have suggested a link.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival posted its set times for both of its weekends, with a fresh smattering of Millennial guitar rock added.
—August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Only a smattering of Cubs fans made their presence heard while their team took control of the game in the first inning by putting up four runs.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
For the last few decades, only a smattering of quirky historians and cult devotees have paid much attention to him.
—Aroop Mukharji, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
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Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival posted its set times for both of its weekends, with a fresh smattering of Millennial guitar rock added.
—August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Only a smattering of Cubs fans made their presence heard while their team took control of the game in the first inning by putting up four runs.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
For the last few decades, only a smattering of quirky historians and cult devotees have paid much attention to him.
—Aroop Mukharji, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
smattering
noun
smat·ter·ing
ˈsmat-ə-riŋ
1
: a small amount of knowledge
a smattering of French
2
: a small scattered number
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