1. to make a series of short explosive sounds
2. to speak in a confused or angry way with short bursts of words
3. to function irregularly or fail intermittently

1. a series of short explosive sounds

Examples

• The candle began to sputter as the wax ran low.
• The old car engine would sputter and die at red lights.
• He could only sputter angrily when accused of cheating.
• The bacon made a loud sputter in the hot pan.
• The radio signal started to sputter during the storm.
• She heard the sputter of the motorcycle starting up.
• The wet firewood continued to sputter in the fireplace.