What does sprinkle mean?
“Sprinkle” is a familiar verb for scattering small drops or particles over a surface, usually lightly or in small amounts. People sprinkle water on plants, sugar on pancakes, salt on food, and confetti at celebrations. The related noun can refer to the act of sprinkling, a light rain, or a small amount of something scattered across a surface, as in “a sprinkle of salt.” In figurative use, the verb can mean to distribute or introduce something in scattered, limited amounts: a speaker might sprinkle an argument with jokes, or a landscape might be sprinkled with cottages. The word conveys a degree of lightness and informality, often suggesting that the material is spread thinly rather than applied heavily. Its usefulness lies in describing both ordinary domestic actions and the broader idea of placing small amounts of something at intervals.
To scatter small drops or particles of a substance over something, usually lightly or in small amounts.
"He sprinkled pepper over his eggs."
Common in both British and American English. “Sprinkle A over B” and “sprinkle B with A” are standard patterns.
A light scattering of liquid or particles; a small amount of something scattered over a surface; or a light rain.
"There was a light sprinkle of rain shortly before sunrise."
The noun is common in both British and American English. In the sense of a light rain, it is often used with “a light” or “a shower.”
The plural is used for separate small particles or small quantities, and for individual light rains.
"The cupcakes were topped with colorful sprinkles."
From scattering a few drops of water to lightly covering a dessert with sugar, “sprinkle” describes the art of distributing something in small amounts without overwhelming the surface.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sprinkle come from?
The word comes from Middle English sprinklen, meaning to scatter in small drops or particles. Its precise deeper origin is not certain, though it belongs to a group of English and continental Germanic words connected with the idea of scattering or sprinkling. The modern forms “sprinkling” and “sprinkler” developed from the same verbal root.
Related word forms
How sprinkle is actually used
The word is common in everyday English. “Sprinkle” often suggests a light or uneven scattering, especially of water, powder, or small particles. In the pattern “sprinkle A on B” or “sprinkle B with A,” the verb may describe both the act of scattering and the resulting distribution.