sprat

[ sprat ]

noun

, plural sprats, (especially collectively) sprat

1. a species of herring, Clupea sprattus, of the eastern North Atlantic.
2. a small or inconsequential person or thing.

sprat

/ spræt /

noun

1. a small marine food fish, Clupea sprattus, of the NE Atlantic Ocean and North Sea: family Clupeidae (herrings) See also brisling
2. any of various small or young herrings

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprat¹

1590–1600; variant of earlier sprot, Middle English, Old English (cognate with German Sprott ); apparently same word as Old English sprott sprout, twig (for the two meanings sprag ² ); akin to Old English spryttan to sprout

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprat¹

C16: variant of Old English sprott; related to Middle Low German sprott, Norwegian sprot small rod

Example Sentences

Thomas Sprat, an English prelate and poet, died; he was distinguished as a writer, and rewarded with preferments.

From Project Gutenberg

The Judge inquired if that was the sole object of the plaintiff, or was it not rather baiting with a sprat to catch a herring?

From Project Gutenberg

Baxter—so soon as it is ready—will let you see a proof of my introduction, which is only sent out as a sprat to catch whales.

From Project Gutenberg

Stow-boating is really sprat catching, and no one can exactly explain the meaning of the term.

From Project Gutenberg

It is particularly abundant at Teignmouth, where it is known as the Sand Sprat, and forms an important article of diet.

From Project Gutenberg