Definitions

1. verb

to make a hissing or spitting sound, typically with a faint or intermittent flame.

“The fire started to sputter and went out.”

2. verb

to utter or speak in a faint or intermittent manner.

“The engine began to sputter as it ran out of fuel.”

3. noun

a faint or intermittent hissing or spitting sound, typically with a faint or intermittent flame.

“The sputter from the faulty engine was disturbing the whole neighborhood.”

4. verb

to break or crack under stress, especially in a sudden or violent manner.

“The dam began to sputter under the heavy rainfall.”