sprit

noun

ˈsprit How to pronounce sprit (audio)
: a spar that crosses a fore-and-aft sail diagonally

Word History

Etymology

Middle English spret, sprit, from Old English sprēot pole, spear; akin to Old English -sprūtan to sprout

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sprit was in 1536

Rhymes for sprit

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Browse Nearby Words

sprint race
sprit
sprite
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Cite this Entry

“Sprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprit. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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