sprinkler

1 of 2

noun

sprin·​kler ˈspriŋk(ə)lə(r) How to pronounce sprinkler (audio)
plural -s
1
: a machine or device for sprinkling: such as
a
: a vehicle or an attachment to a vehicle for sprinkling streets or roads
c
: a device for spraying plants or lawns
d
: a device for distributing sewage on a filter bed
2
: one that sprinkles: such as
a
: one that sprinkles timbers in mines with chemicals to make them proof against fire and rot
b
: one that sprinkles dry coal or dust in a mine with water to prevent explosions
c
: a laundry worker who uses a sprinkler to dampen clothes for ironing
3
: one that believes in baptism by aspersion rather than by immersion

sprinkler

2 of 2

transitive verb

"
-ed/-ing/-s
: to provide with an automatic sprinkler system
stressing the importance of having all schools sprinkleredSpringfield (Massachusetts) Daily News

Word History

Etymology

Noun

sprinkle entry 1 + -er

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Cite this Entry

“Sprinkler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprinkler. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

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