What does stuttering mean?
Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder in which speech is disrupted by involuntary repetitions of sounds and syllables, prolonged sounds, or interruptions that can feel like a sudden loss of a word. It commonly begins in childhood, although it may also begin in adulthood, and its effects can vary considerably from one person to another. The word is also used figuratively to describe an engine, vehicle, process, or recovery that starts, stops, and starts again in an irregular way: a machine may stutter, or a recovery may proceed in stuttering stages. In medical and educational contexts, stuttering is treated as a complex condition influenced by biological, linguistic, and environmental factors rather than as a failure of effort or intelligence. “Stammering” is a frequently used synonym. Stuttering can make communication demanding, but many people who stutter speak effectively and have full command of the language they are using.
To speak with involuntary repetitions, prolonged sounds, or interrupted speech; figuratively, to move or begin in irregular, halting bursts.
"He stuttered over the unfamiliar word and then continued speaking."
The verb can describe either a person’s speech or, figuratively, the behavior of a machine, vehicle, or process.
A speech fluency disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, and interruptions in the flow of speech.
"The school speech therapist provided support for the student’s stuttering."
The condition is generally treated as uncountable in modern clinical and educational writing.
Characterized by or involving repeated interruptions, irregularities, or halting movement.
"The mechanic replaced the stuttering motor before the car could be road-tested."
This use is often figurative and describes machinery, movement, or progress rather than speech.
Rarely used; “stuttering” is normally an uncountable noun.
"The recording captures the hesitant stutterings of a voice trying to find its way."
Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder, not a sign of low intelligence, carelessness, or a lack of effort.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stuttering come from?
“Stuttering” developed from the English verb “stutter,” a word recorded from the early seventeenth century. The ultimate origin of “stutter” is uncertain, although it is related to similar forms in other Germanic languages, including Dutch “stotteren” and German “stottern.” The present participle “stuttering” came to name both the action of speaking with interruptions and, by extension, the condition or pattern itself.
Related word forms
How stuttering is actually used
In clinical and educational contexts, “stuttering” is the usual neutral term. “Stammering” is also widely accepted, especially in British English, but may sound less formal to some speakers. Figurative uses such as “stuttering progress” often carry a connotation of temporary interruption rather than the clinical condition.
Easily confused with stuttering
Stammering is a closely related and often interchangeable term for stuttering; in general use, both refer to disruptions in the rhythm and fluency of speech.