sputtering

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Near the end of the first, Betts came back to the bench coughing and sputtering, seemingly unable to clear her throat.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

While flagging inflation risks from the Middle East conflict, the central bank also emphasized that the economy is sputtering and having difficulty absorbing excess slack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Whether it's been age profile, a creaking scrum, a sputtering attack, the unsettled fly-half situation or a British and Irish Lions hangover, most of the discussion has been largely negative.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

The dearth of public transport is another nail in the coffin of the sputtering economy.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

Personalizing a submarine that shells your beach every morning by calling it “Oscar” or referring to that one sputtering bomber that flew over Guadalcanal as “Washing Machine Charlie” made them seem less scary.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac