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
The backstory Once a late-night hot spot on the boulevard Rochechouart in the 1920s, the former incarnation of the hotel drew in traveling artists, intellectuals, and a smattering of stars.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
On one visit, the pizza was smeared in a creamy, garlicky white sauce with a smattering of roasted broccoli.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Turner gathered his papers, stepped off the platform, and walked back to his seat to a smattering of applause.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Video of the Trumps' arrival on the balcony shows many in attendance applauding and cheering, though a smattering of boos can be heard.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
On one visit, the pizza was smeared in a creamy, garlicky white sauce with a smattering of roasted broccoli.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Turner gathered his papers, stepped off the platform, and walked back to his seat to a smattering of applause.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Video of the Trumps' arrival on the balcony shows many in attendance applauding and cheering, though a smattering of boos can be heard.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smattering. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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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