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
Zegler has starred in a smattering of movies in the last four years, beginning with her big screen debut in Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of West Side Story.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The pictures, clear instructions, a smattering of scientific explanation and helpful recipe timelines showcase Leo’s exacting analytical mind and his life’s passion for baking.
—Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Comprising nearly 463,000 acres of private and leased public land centered on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the American Prairie reserve is decidedly un-tropical, a rolling shortgrass prairie that stretches out to the horizon, punctuated by smatterings of trees and rocky buttes.
—Adam Roy, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025
With a smattering of blues and gospel classics, Irish folk tunes and original cuts performed by the cast, Rod Wave, Don Toliver and Brittany Howard, the Sinners soundtrack captures the critical role music plays in the film’s plot.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025
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Tommy McArdle, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The pictures, clear instructions, a smattering of scientific explanation and helpful recipe timelines showcase Leo’s exacting analytical mind and his life’s passion for baking.
—Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Comprising nearly 463,000 acres of private and leased public land centered on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the American Prairie reserve is decidedly un-tropical, a rolling shortgrass prairie that stretches out to the horizon, punctuated by smatterings of trees and rocky buttes.
—Adam Roy, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025
With a smattering of blues and gospel classics, Irish folk tunes and original cuts performed by the cast, Rod Wave, Don Toliver and Brittany Howard, the Sinners soundtrack captures the critical role music plays in the film’s plot.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 23 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 12 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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