sprinkling

noun

sprin·​kling ˈspriŋ-kliŋ How to pronounce sprinkling (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From cozy shearling to leopard print, Scandi labels, and a sprinkling of The Row, Lawrence sees herself through the seasons and elements in a various but curated selection of outerwear. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025 The book describes how Amanda gets through a tough day of soaring temperatures with the help of hose sprinkling and lemonade drinking. Chloe Veltman, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025 The less than a minute long tribute video the Heat played before the game also featured booing from the sprinkling of South Floridians that actually showed up before tip-off. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025 One slice was vegetarian, thickly layered with masala sauce, paneer, spinach, and eggplant, plus garlic, ginger, green onions, and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro. Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sprinkling

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of sprinkling was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sprinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprinkling. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

sprinkling

noun
sprin·​kling ˈspriŋ-kliŋ How to pronounce sprinkling (audio)
: a very small number or amount

More from Merriam-Webster on sprinkling

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