Splutter/ˈsplʌtər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Reaction Used when someone is overcome by strong emotions like shock or excitement. She spluttered her thanks through tears of joy. Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Moments Often used when someone is caught off-guard or is unprepared for a situation. When he won the award, he spluttered, unable to form coherent sentences. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Speech More common in casual conversation rather than formal speech or writing. In the middle of the argument, he started to splutter out excuses.