What does stutter mean?
Stutter refers to a speech fluency disorder in which the normal rhythm of speech is interrupted by involuntary repetitions, prolongations of sounds, or periods of silence known as blocks. A person who stutters may have difficulty beginning a word, moving smoothly from one word to the next, or maintaining a steady speaking rhythm. As a verb, stutter also describes hesitant or irregular progress: a project, recovery, or performance may stutter forward through delays and interruptions. The condition is not a reflection of low intelligence or limited vocabulary; it is associated with differences in the timing and coordination of speech. Although historically treated with teasing or insensitive labels, modern understanding emphasizes its neurological and social complexity. Stuttering can vary greatly between individuals and from one moment to another, and many people develop effective ways of managing it. The word is also widely understood in figurative contexts, making it a concise description of anything that advances in a broken or uncertain fashion.
A speech fluency disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks that interrupt the normal flow of speech.
"A mild stutter became more pronounced when he became anxious."
Usually describes the condition or an instance of disrupted speech rather than the person experiencing it.
To speak with involuntary repetitions, prolonged sounds, or blocks; figuratively, to begin or proceed with hesitant, intermittent progress.
"The child stuttered over the first few words before speaking more smoothly."
The figurative use is common in formal and informal writing and applies to developments that begin or continue unevenly.
The plural is used for separate instances or episodes of stuttering and is less common than the singular.
"He described several brief stutters during the interview."
A person may know exactly which word they want to say and still struggle to begin speaking it on time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stutter come from?
The word appeared in English by the early 16th century, apparently through Middle Dutch stotteren. It is cognate with German stottern, and both forms belong to a Germanic word family based on words meaning “to push” or “to thrust.” The connection to speech is commonly understood as a metaphor for speech being pushed forward through hesitant starts and interruptions.
Related word forms
How stutter is actually used
Stuttering is the standard clinical and general term for the condition, while stammer is a common synonym in British and American English. Person-first wording, such as “a person who stutters,” is generally preferred over treating the condition as an identity or using “stutterer” as a label.
Easily confused with stutter
Stammer is often used informally for the same condition, but in traditional usage it more narrowly suggests repeated syllables, whereas stuttering covers a broader range of repetitions, prolongations, and blocks.