What does stuttered mean?
To stutter is to speak with involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or brief blocks in the flow of speech. The word may also describe a person’s voice breaking or faltering from nervousness, surprise, or excitement, as well as a machine or process moving in an uneven, interrupted way. Stuttering is a speech difference rather than a sign of low intelligence, poor vocabulary, or lack of confidence, although it can affect communication and lead some speakers to avoid unfamiliar situations. The term is used in both British and American English, with “stammer” serving as a related and sometimes more general expression. In its literal sense, “stuttered” describes speech that is disrupted or difficult to produce; figuratively, it can suggest an uncertain or interrupted delivery. The word is most appropriate when describing observed speech patterns rather than using them as a label for a person.
verbTo speak with involuntary repetitions or prolongations of sounds, syllables, or words, especially as a speech disorder. In figurative use, to hesitate or falter in speaking or proceeding.
- To speak with involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks of sound.
- To hesitate or falter while speaking, as when overcome by surprise, embarrassment, or excitement.
- To move or proceed unevenly, with interruptions or delays.
"He stuttered through his presentation, repeating the first syllable of several words."
"She stuttered briefly before giving her answer."
"The old engine stuttered, caught, and then started moving again."
A stutter is not a failure of intelligence or vocabulary: it is a difficulty that some people experience in the timing and flow of speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stuttered come from?
The modern English verb developed from an older English word meaning to hesitate, stumble, or speak unclearly. Its history belongs to a group of Germanic forms associated with interruptions or difficulty in speech, including German stottern and Dutch stotteren. The specific English form developed in stages, with the verbal ending “-ed” appearing here in the past tense and past participle.
Related word forms
How stuttered is actually used
In clinical and educational contexts, “stutter” generally refers to a recognized speech condition affecting fluency. “Stammer” is common in British English and is also widely used in American English, but may be less specific in meaning. The verb can also be used figuratively for halting progress or speech.
Easily confused with stuttered
Stuttering specifically refers to involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks in speech, while stammer is a broader term that may describe these features or, informally, any hesitant or interrupted speech.