gerund noun
The act of spreading things over a wide area, often by throwing or dropping them.
The scattering of seeds helps new plants grow.
Wind caused the scattering of papers across the yard.
American English
How to pronounce scattering
noun · verbB1Common word
SKAAderihng
/ˈskæ.ɾɚ.ɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of scatter
As a noun, scattering can mean either the act of spreading things or a small group spread out over an area.
The act of spreading things over a wide area, often by throwing or dropping them.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
present participle
Spreading things over a wide area, often by throwing or dropping them.
The farmer is scattering seeds across the field.
The wind is scattering leaves along the sidewalk.
gerund noun
The act of moving quickly away from one another in different directions, especially as a group.
The sudden scattering of the crowd caused confusion.
The scattering of the birds began when the hawk appeared.
present participle
Moving quickly away from one another in different directions, especially as a group.
The children are scattering in all directions.
The birds are scattering as the dog approaches.
Useful expressions
to spread or leave things in different places
The children scattered toys around the room.
Related words & forms
The final t doubles before -ed and -ing: scattered, scattering.