sprig

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noun \ ˈsprig \

Definition of sprig

1 a :a small shoot :twig

a sprig of parsley

b :a small division of grass used for propagation

2 a :heir

b :youth

c :a small specimen

3 :an ornament resembling a sprig, stemmed flower, or leaf

4 :a small headless nail :brad

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Recent Examples of sprig from the Web

Place a few slices of lemon and a few sprigs of the oregano in each of the cavities.

— milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Grilled Whole Red Snapper with Sea Salt and Fresh Oregano Mix and Black Olive and Feta Relish," 25 Aug. 2017
Put 1 cucumber slice, 1 grapefruit slice and a sprig each of lavender and mint in each goblet.

— jeanmarie brownson, chicagotribune.com, "Shrimp burgers and herbed gin and tonics: A Labor Day to remember," 24 Aug. 2017
Serves 6-8 ½ cup sugar ½ cup water 1 to 2 sprigs tarragon 1 bottle rosé wine 2 cups pureed raspberries ¼ cup lemon juice 1.

— Philly.com, "Frosé Granita," 24 Aug. 2017
The ruby fish was photo worthy with pretty lime radishes, shaped like a delicate sea anemone; a sprig of yellow wasabi flowers; and burgundy Bing cherries.

— suzanne loudermilk, baltimoresun.com, "Seafood suits Johnny's, but the prices don't," 13 July 2017
A sprig from a creosote bush infuses the steam in our shower stall with notes of the western Grand Canyon: tarry, resinous, bitter but rich.

— michael engelhard, Alaska Dispatch News, "An ode to Alaska odors," 1 July 2017
The sprigs of grass almost look like flames, while the citrus wildflowers add an element of drama.

— sara tardiff, ELLE Decor, "Floral Arrangements To Try If You Have A Summer Zodiac Sign," 29 June 2017
Rumor has it that Victoria cut the sprig from a bush Albert's grandmother gave her during a visit to Gotha, Germany. 2.

— lauren smith, House Beautiful, "5 Things All Royal Wedding Bouquets Have in Common," 26 June 2017
The envelope of each Basque letter is sealed with a sprig of lavender.

— anna webb, idahostatesman, "Who says the art of letter writing is dead? Not Boise. Get a real letter for 25 cents," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sprig.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sprig

Middle English sprigge

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

sprig

verb

Definition of sprig

sprigged; sprigging

transitive verb

1 :to drive sprigs or brads into

2 :to mark or adorn with the representation of plant sprigs

3 :to propagate (a grass) by means of stolons or small divisions

First Known Use of sprig

1713

SPRIG Defined for English Language Learners

sprig

play

noun

Definition of sprig for English Language Learners

: a small twig or stem that has leaves or flowers on it

SPRIG Defined for Kids

sprig

play

noun \ ˈsprig \

Definition of sprig for Students

:a small shoot or twig

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See words that rhyme with sprig Spanish Central: Translation of sprig Nglish: Translation of sprig for Spanish speakers

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sprig

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SPRIG Defined for English Language Learners

sprig

Definition of sprig for English Language Learners

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Definition of sprig for Students

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