1. makes a series of soft explosive sounds
2. speaks in a confused or angry way with explosive sounds
3. functions irregularly or fails intermittently

1. a series of soft explosive sounds

Examples

• The candle sputters as the wax melts unevenly.
• He sputters with rage when he hears the news.
• The old car engine sputters before starting.
• She sputters an angry response to the accusation.
• The campfire sputters in the light rain.
• The machine sputters and then stops working.
• We heard the sputter of the motorcycle in the distance.