sprinkling

noun

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

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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.
Lollapalooza attendees were met with on-and-off sprinkling all day but about 45 minutes into the Smashing Pumpkins' set, a consistent enough rainfall led fans to pull on ponchos, with some even leaving early. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Navy cat-eye polish sparkles under 3D seashell ridges and a sprinkling of pearls. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 July 2026 Try serving with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar. — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 21 July 2026 McLean and his team are working around the clock, sprinkling water on the course only in the mornings and evenings, barely enough moisture to keep the blades of grass alive. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 July 2026 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

Rhymes for sprinkling

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Browse Nearby Words

sprinkler system
sprinkling
sprinkling can
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Cite this Entry

“Sprinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprinkling. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sprinkling

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

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