1 B1 neutral
For an engine, flame, or machine to stop working in an uneven, intermittent way
"The old motorbike sputtered out halfway up the hill and refused to start again."
inseparable
sputter out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To stop functioning or come to an end in an irregular, struggling way
In plain English
To slowly stop working in a noisy, uneven way, like an engine that keeps cutting out
What does "sputter out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
For something abstract such as a plan, effort, or movement to gradually lose momentum and come to an unsuccessful end
"The peace talks sputtered out after neither side could agree on the key terms."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sputter means to make a series of soft explosive sounds; 'out' signals cessation — literally the sound of a flame or engine making irregular noises before dying
Actually means
To slowly stop working in a noisy, uneven way, like an engine that keeps cutting out
Usage tip
Derives from the sound of an engine or flame struggling and making intermittent noises before stopping. Used both literally (engines, flames) and figuratively (projects, conversations, movements). The figurative sense is common in journalism and writing.
Words that pair with "sputter out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine flame candle campaign economy conversation negotiations
How to conjugate "sputter out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sputter out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sputters out
he/she/it
Past simple
sputtered out
yesterday
Past participle
sputtered out
have + pp
-ing form
sputtering out
continuous
Hear "sputter out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sputter out"
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