sprocket

noun

sprock·​et ˈsprä-kət How to pronounce sprocket (audio)
1
: a toothed wheel whose teeth engage the links of a chain
2
: a cylinder with teeth around the circumference at either end that project through perforations in something (such as movie film) to move it through a mechanism (such as a projector)

Examples of sprocket in a Sentence

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.
Depending on the rear sprocket fitted, the bike's potential top speed can be geared anywhere from 160 mph (257 km/h) to a theoretical 270+ mph (434 km/h). — New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026 There is no sprocket with teeth. — Ed Sokalski, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 Which is a metaphor, but Siegfried does probably also have some sprockets rolling around. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026 And the rear cassette shifted moderately quick, while spinning mostly in silence other in the biggest sprockets. — Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sprocket

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sprocket was in 1879

Rhymes for sprocket

See All Rhymes for sprocket

Browse Nearby Words

sproat
sprocket
sprocket wheel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sprocket.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprocket. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sprocket

noun
sprock·​et ˈspräk-ət How to pronounce sprocket (audio)
1
: one of many points that stick up on the rim of a wheel shaped so as to fit into the links of a chain
2
: a wheel having sprockets

More from Merriam-Webster on sprocket

Nglish: Translation of sprocket for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sprocket

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