[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/stutter/)

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# stutter

verb (stutter, stutters, stuttered, stuttering); noun (a stutter, stutters)

«stutter» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To stutter is to speak with sudden stops or by repeating the first sounds of words, like «b-b-ball», without meaning to. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#m1)
2. A stutter is this way of speaking, which some people have for a long time. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#m2)
3. An engine or machine stutters when it runs in short, uneven bursts. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#m3)

### In the lessons

In health and kindness lessons, a stutter is a speech difference, not a sign of being nervous or less clever; be patient and let the person finish. Speech therapists help people who stutter. In stories, a nervous character may stutter. Phrases: «speak with a stutter».

### Examples

- He has a stutter, so we let him finish his sentences. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x1)
- «I-I-I don't know,» she stuttered. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x2)
- A speech therapist helps children who stutter. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x3)
- Never laugh at someone's stutter. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x4)
- The old car's engine stuttered and stopped. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x5)
- When I am scared I sometimes stutter. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x6)
- Many famous people have had a stutter. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x7)
- As soon as he regained the use of his senses, he said, trembling and stuttering from fright: [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/#x8)

### Note

Regular verb, double t: «stuttered», «stuttering». «Stammer» means the same (more common in the UK). Myth: stuttering is not caused by being silly or by poor parenting. Don't finish words for someone unless they want you to.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «stutter» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/stutter/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«stutter» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/stutter.html) on Mova free.