putter

1 of 3

noun (1)

put·​ter ˈpu̇-tər How to pronounce putter (audio)
: one that puts
a putter of questions

putter

2 of 3

noun (2)

putt·​er ˈpə-tər How to pronounce putter (audio)
1
: a golf club used in putting
2
: one who putts

putter

3 of 3

verb

put·​ter ˈpə-tər How to pronounce putter (audio)
puttered; puttering; putters

intransitive verb

1
: to move or act aimlessly or idly
2
: to work at random : tinker
putterer
ˈpə-tər-ər How to pronounce putter (audio)
noun

Synonyms of putter

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Verb

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Examples of putter in a Sentence

Verb the motorboat puttered across the lake
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Burns let go of his putter and dropped to his knees. — Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 This year’s success has been slightly more about his elite short game and becoming a top-10 putter. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Verb
In February, Nathalia Assaad puttered to her living room with pound cake. — Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026 Automated pool cleaners are fast, efficient, and don't need to take breaks, puttering through your water to keep it crystal clear all day long. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for putter

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of potter

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1743, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of putter was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing putter

Rhymes for putter

See All Rhymes for putter

Browse Nearby Words

putten
putter
putter around
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Putter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/putter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

putter

1 of 3 noun
put·​ter ˈpu̇t-ər How to pronounce putter (audio)
: one that puts

putter

2 of 3 noun
putt·​er ˈpət-ər How to pronounce putter (audio)
1
: a golf club used in putting
2
: a person who putts

putter

3 of 3 verb
put·​ter ˈpət-ər How to pronounce putter (audio)
1
: to move or act without obvious purpose
2
: to work by chance or without skill
putterer
-ər-ər How to pronounce putter (audio)
noun
Etymology

Noun

from put and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

from putt and -er (noun suffix)

Verb

an altered form of earlier potter "to move about idly without aim or purpose"

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