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

• handful
• couple
• few

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

Brushed with mayonnaise, the cobs develop a rich and smoky flavor from the grill while a sprinkling of cotija cheese adds a touch of tanginess. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025

It’s finished with a generous sprinkling of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Overwatering from an automatic sprinkling system could also be part of the problem. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025

There was the occasional Spirit kit, non-NWSL soccer shirt, and a sprinkling of lavender representing the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA, who play just down the street at Chase Center. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for sprinkling

• crinkling
• inkling

Kids Definition

sprinkling

noun

sprin·​kling ˈspriŋ-kliŋ 

: a very small number or amount