scat·ter·ing
ˈska-tə-riŋ 
2
: something scattered: such as
a
: a small number or quantity interspersed here and there
a scattering of visitors
b
: the random change in direction of the particles constituting a beam or wave front due to collision with particles of the medium traversed
1
: going in various directions
2
: found or placed far apart and in no order
3
: divided among many or several
scattering votes
Examples of scattering in a Sentence
Noun
the scattering of the protesters suddenly turned violent and chaotic
a scattering of people in the mostly empty theater
Recent Examples on the Web
Aspen Pflughoeft
updated July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
From traditional burials to the scattering of one's ashes at sea, the methods for the deceased to be honored are as varied as the cultures that comprise our world.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Unlike other travelogues, this series does not linger over cuisine, haute or otherwise (there is a continual quest for coffee), aiming instead for a scattering of local crafts, traditions and events.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
That scattering process polarizes the light, and the degree of polarization tells us where the object was in three dimensions.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scattering
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Noun
Its back has orange and gray markings with a scattering of darker brown blotches.
—Aspen Pflughoeft
updated July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
From traditional burials to the scattering of one's ashes at sea, the methods for the deceased to be honored are as varied as the cultures that comprise our world.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Unlike other travelogues, this series does not linger over cuisine, haute or otherwise (there is a continual quest for coffee), aiming instead for a scattering of local crafts, traditions and events.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
That scattering process polarizes the light, and the degree of polarization tells us where the object was in three dimensions.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scattering. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scattering
1 of 2 noun
scat·ter·ing
ˈskat-ə-riŋ
1
: an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered
2
: something scattered
especially
: a small number or amount placed or found here and there
a scattering of visitors
scattering
2 of 2 adjective1
: going in various directions
2
: found or placed far apart and in no pattern
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