sprinkling

noun

sprin·​kling ˈspriŋ-kliŋ 

1

: a limited quantity or amount : modicum

2

: a small quantity falling in scattered drops or particles

3

: a small number distributed at random : scattering

Synonyms

• couple
• few
• handful
• scatter
• scattering
• smatter
• smattering
• sprinkle

Examples of sprinkling in a Sentence

a sprinkling of fans showed up at the airport

just a sprinkling of experience with the computer program

Recent Examples on the Web

Display the gingerbread trees on a large wooden board or cake stand, then finish off with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for a magical finishing touch. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024

With beautiful sites like Saint Peter’s Square covered with a sprinkling of snow, Venice's canals lined with fewer crowds, or the picturesque, ski-ready Dolomites, Italy can be an amazing winter destination — and this American living in the Bel Paese is here to tell you exactly how to dress for it. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024

Grande, lovely in her biggest movie role to date, enacts that quality with a liberal sprinkling of sugar and appealing comedy instincts. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

Garnish with a sprinkling of cinnamon and blueberries or raspberries if desired. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

sprinkling

noun

sprin·​kling ˈspriŋ-kliŋ 

: a very small number or amount