I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of smatter (I)
1. : an act of one that smatters
learn a few languages then, and learn them well: a smattering is a frittering — A.L.Guérard
a unified discipline instead of an elegant smattering — H.J.Muller
2. : superficial or piecemeal knowledge
picked up a smattering of these languages when they were children — Demaree Bess
a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklaying — Alva Johnston
3. : an inconsiderable number or amount especially of similar but distinct individuals or parts : piecemeal collection : smatter
weeks passed with only a smattering of lookers — Peter DeVries
the smattering of Negroes in the balcony — Shelby Foote
only a smattering of early writing had been printed — Charlton Laird
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of smatter (I)
: that smatters or is a smattering
smattering knowledge of French
smattering dilettantes
• smat·ter·ing·ly adverb