noun
Definition: The act of making a series of short, explosive sounds, often due to a malfunction or irregularity in a machine or engine.
Example: The sputtering of the old engine made it clear that it needed repairs.
verb
Definition: To make a series of soft explosive sounds, often due to a lack of fuel or air, or to speak in a confused or hesitant way.
Example: The engine was sputtering, struggling to start on a cold morning.