stuttering
/ˈstʌtərɪŋ/ · stut·ter·ing
verb
- To speak with a spasmodic repetition of vocal sounds. He stuttered a few words of thanks before the applause began.
- To operate with irregular, halting bursts, especially of a gas‑powered engine. The old diesel engine stuttered as it climbed the steep hill.
noun
- A speech disorder in which the flow of speech is disrupted by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or silent pauses. Her stuttering made public speaking a daunting challenge.
- An instance or occurrence of stuttering. After the long pause, his next sentence was a noticeable stuttering.
adjective
- Characterized by or exhibiting stuttering. The stuttering engine sputtered before finally dying.
- Hesitant or faltering in action or speech. She gave a stuttering reply, unsure of how to proceed.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? King George VI famously overcame his stuttering with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, a story popularized in the film "The King's Speech".