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
There was a time when Marvel was really crushing DC, but for the last few years it’s been pretty bleak on all sides, with only a smattering of decent comic book movies punctuating a the parade of mediocrity.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The star appeared wearing a black blazer and matching long skirt with a slit up the back, plus a smattering of diamond jewelry.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 13 May 2025
Knowing his boys had evolved from the hunters to the hunted, Alonso has needed to add a layer of versatility, with a greater variation in his formations this season, which has included starting with a back four in a healthy smattering of games.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The bar is beginning to fill up with young women, many of whom sport cocktail attire: short skirts, heels, and a smattering of designer logo bags slung over shoulders.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smattering
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Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The star appeared wearing a black blazer and matching long skirt with a slit up the back, plus a smattering of diamond jewelry.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 13 May 2025
Knowing his boys had evolved from the hunters to the hunted, Alonso has needed to add a layer of versatility, with a greater variation in his formations this season, which has included starting with a back four in a healthy smattering of games.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The bar is beginning to fill up with young women, many of whom sport cocktail attire: short skirts, heels, and a smattering of designer logo bags slung over shoulders.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 25 Apr. 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 19 May. 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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