sprinkling

noun

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

Example Sentences

a sprinkling of fans showed up at the airport just a sprinkling of experience with the computer program
Recent Examples on the Web Finely chop the garlic and mix with a generous sprinkling of kosher salt. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Feb. 2023 Before baking, spoon filling onto the dough squares, brush the edges with egg wash, fold into triangles, press to seal the edges, and top with a sprinkling of nigella seeds. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2023 They are basted in butter and finished with a sprinkling of kosher salt. Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2023 Her cast includes rough scoundrels, long-suffering servants and cosseted aristocrats, with a sprinkling of real-life characters like Sir William Hamilton and his alluring young wife, Emma. Alida Becker, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2023 Jaime Viñas Bring a little bit of Mother Nature into your Christmas staircase idea with a sprinkling of snowflakes. Kelsey Mulvey, ELLE Decor, 20 Dec. 2022 These potatoes are delicious with a sprinkling of salt, but the seasoning options are many. Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Dec. 2022 Add a layer of turkey (a mix of light and dark meat is best) and top with a generous sprinkling of pickled onions. Sunset Magazine, 25 Nov. 2022 Add a generous sprinkling of salt, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Ann Maloney, Washington Post, 12 July 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of sprinkling was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near sprinkling

Cite this Entry

“Sprinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprinkling. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

sprinkling

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sprinkling

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