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

• couple
• few
• handful
• scatter
• scattering
• smatter
• smattering
• sprinkle

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

Each piece is dressed with a sprinkling of ancho chili flakes, which add a subtle heat that compliments the coffee’s robustness. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

Firefighters have not yet contained some of the strongest blazes, although officials hoped that a sprinkling of rain on Thursday would aid their emergency efforts, the Times reports. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025

Just pair up a white shirt dress with matching thigh-high boots, then top with a sprinkling of gold statement jewelry. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 7 June 2025

Despite a sprinkling of foreign talent, the most popular player in the Sundowns squad is Themba Zwane, the 35-year-old club captain, who has just recovered from a serious Achilles injury. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 7 June 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