Sputter out Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To fade or stop working gradually, often making short, weak sounds; used both for engines, flames, or projects that lose energy and end slowly.
Usage & Nuances
Often describes something stopping weakly after losing strength, especially engines, candles, fires, or efforts. Common with physical things ('the flame sputtered out'), but also metaphorically ('the project sputtered out'). Informal, not used in academic/formal writing. Different from 'go out' (noiseless ending) or 'die out' (gradual but not necessarily noisy).
Example Sentences
The candle finally sputtered out after an hour.
basic
My car engine would sputter out every winter morning.
basic
The fire in the cabin sputtered out during the night.
basic
Their enthusiasm for the project sputtered out after a few setbacks.
natural
The old lawnmower just sputtered out halfway through the yard.
natural
When the Wi-Fi signal started to sputter out, our video call froze.
natural