1. To speak in a confused or stammering way: This is the most common meaning. It describes someone who is struggling to speak clearly or fluently, often due to nervousness, anger, or surprise.
*Example: "He sputtered out a response, unable to formulate a coherent sentence."
2. To make a series of short, explosive sounds: This meaning usually refers to a machine or engine making a rough and uneven sound, indicating a problem.
*Example: "The old car sputtered and coughed, threatening to stall completely."
3. To make a series of small, popping noises: This meaning is often used to describe a fire or something that is burning unevenly.
*Example: "The flames sputtered and danced in the fireplace."
4. To move with a series of jerky motions: This meaning is less common but can be used to describe the motion of a vehicle or other object moving in a hesitant or unsteady way.
*Example: "The old train sputtered along the tracks, its wheels groaning with age."
The best way to understand the meaning of "sputter" is to look at the context of the sentence and consider the other words surrounding it.