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
Synonyms
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
By the end, there was a smattering of boos coming down after a 4-0 loss to the Utah Hockey Club.
—Michael Russo, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Freshly prepared rolls from the sushi bar are paired here with a smattering of seasonal tipples — each one built around an elevated base spirit.
—Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
There was only a smattering of local media, and the energy was muted.
—Jonathan Van Meter, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025
There will be more American and Japanese commercial lunar landings, another private crewed space mission to the ISS, plus the usual smattering of meteor showers and comet visits, as well as the unexpected.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
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Michael Russo, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Freshly prepared rolls from the sushi bar are paired here with a smattering of seasonal tipples — each one built around an elevated base spirit.
—Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
There was only a smattering of local media, and the energy was muted.
—Jonathan Van Meter, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025
There will be more American and Japanese commercial lunar landings, another private crewed space mission to the ISS, plus the usual smattering of meteor showers and comet visits, as well as the unexpected.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for smattering
Dictionary Entries Near smattering
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 31 Jan. 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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