sprin·kle
ˈspriŋ-kəl 
sprinkled; sprinkling
ˈspriŋ-k(ə-)liŋ
1
: to scatter in drops or particles
2
a
: to scatter over
b
: to scatter at intervals in or among : dot
sprinkled the speech with quips
c
: to wet lightly
Examples of sprinkle in a Sentence
Verb
He sprinkled water on the plants.
I sprinkled grass seed over the soil.
She sprinkled the clothes before ironing them.
“Is it raining?” “It's just sprinkling a little.”
Noun
It rained last night, but it was just a sprinkle.
She topped the pasta with a sprinkle of parsley.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
While the show typically focuses on neighborly disputes over things like property lines, Smiechowski sprinkled in some local politics — with the blessing of HBO execs — by mentioning his campaign for council District 2.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Clouds will increase through the afternoon, and while most spots stay dry, there's a 10–20% chance for a few light sprinkles or brief showers along the front and behind it.
—Michael Autovino, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprinkle
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.
Verb
Amid more than a decade now without a Top 10 lottery pick (Justise Winslow was the last, at No, 10 in 2015), the Heat have found a way to remain competitive, with a few deep playoff runs sprinkled in.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
While the show typically focuses on neighborly disputes over things like property lines, Smiechowski sprinkled in some local politics — with the blessing of HBO execs — by mentioning his campaign for council District 2.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
Eliminate bathroom odors with Wabi Whiffs’ fizzy toilet bombs and sprinkles.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Clouds will increase through the afternoon, and while most spots stay dry, there's a 10–20% chance for a few light sprinkles or brief showers along the front and behind it.
—Michael Autovino, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sprinkle
Cite this Entry
“Sprinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprinkle. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sprinkle
1 of 2 verb
sprin·kle
ˈspriŋ-kəl
sprinkled; sprinkling
-k(ə-)liŋ
1
: to scatter in drops or particles
sprinkle water
sprinkle grass seed over the soil
2
a
: to scatter over or in or among
sprinkle the spaghetti with grated cheese
b
: to wet lightly
sprinkle clothes before ironing
3
: to rain lightly in scattered drops
sprinkle
2 of 2 noun1
: the act or an instance of sprinkling
especially
: a light rain
2
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
