WordGarden.iosprinkle
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sprˈɪŋkəl/
US
- /ˈsprɪŋkəl/
Meanings
Verb
to scatter small drops or particles lightly over something
to add a light scattering of seasoning, sugar, or garnish to food
to rain lightly in small drops
Noun
a small amount scattered over something, especially as a topping or seasoning
a brief light fall of rain
a small piece of sweet candy topping, usually used in the plural
Beyond the definition
To sprinkle something is to scatter small drops or tiny pieces over it. Think of rain falling lightly, or a baker putting sugar on cookies. It is gentler than pouring or dumping. You might also sprinkle jokes into a conversation, meaning you add them here and there.
Imagine a fairy waving her wand and sending glitter everywhere. Or picture a chef carefully adding herbs over a dish. Sometimes, sprinkle is used in a figurative way too, like when a writer sprinkles funny details through a story. The idea is always the same: adding small amounts in many places.
The word sprinkle evokes images of delicate distribution—a light scattering rather than a heavy deluge. At its core, it means to scatter small drops, particles, or quantities over a surface or area. Think of a gentle rain sprinkling the garden, reviving thirsty plants. Or perhaps a baker carefully sprinkling cinnamon sugar on warm apple pie, adding a touch of sweetness and spice.
But sprinkle isn't limited to physical things! You can also sprinkle your speech with humor, meaning you intersperse it with jokes or witty remarks. A writer might sprinkle their story with vivid descriptions to bring the scene to life. This figurative use suggests adding small elements for a particular effect—like seasoning a dish.
Historically, the word sprinkle traces back to Middle English and Middle Dutch roots relating to splashing or scattering water. It has long been associated with religious contexts, such as baptismal ceremonies, where water is dispersed in small droplets to signify purification.
So whether it's rain on the windowpane, glitter on a craft project, or witty remarks in conversation, sprinkle describes a gentle, widespread distribution—adding small touches here and there to create a desired effect.
Examples
- 1
Food topping
Sprinkle some sugar on the strawberries before you serve them.
- 2
Ironing
She sprinkled a little water over the shirt before ironing it.
- 3
Baking
The cookies were sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- 4
Cooking amount
Just add a sprinkle of salt, not too much.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Presentation style
He sprinkled a few jokes into his presentation.
- Patternsprinkle X into Y
add small amounts here and there
- 6
Writing style
The novel is sprinkled with local slang and funny details.
- 7
Light rain
We only had a light sprinkle of rain this afternoon.
- Phrasea sprinkle of rain
a small amount of rain
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sprinklenounverb
Forms
- sprinkledpast tenseverbnoun
- sprinkling-ing formverbnoun
- sprinklespluralnounverb