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
Before The Athletic can ask this incredible man for advice, there is a smattering of noise around the amphitheatre-esque oval ring.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Haim’s songs blend the rollicking chemistry of Fleetwood Mac, the muscular femininity of Heart, and the mystic cheesiness of Phil Collins (with a smattering of new-jack-swing sparkle).
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025
The majority of the songs on the new album are recordings made in the United States, with a smattering of others from Great Britain, Ireland, and the Caribbean.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 13 June 2025
Some photos and videos circulating online show a smattering of attendees in the audience holding up Palestinian flags.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smattering
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Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Haim’s songs blend the rollicking chemistry of Fleetwood Mac, the muscular femininity of Heart, and the mystic cheesiness of Phil Collins (with a smattering of new-jack-swing sparkle).
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025
The majority of the songs on the new album are recordings made in the United States, with a smattering of others from Great Britain, Ireland, and the Caribbean.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 13 June 2025
Some photos and videos circulating online show a smattering of attendees in the audience holding up Palestinian flags.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 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 29 Jun. 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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