sprite

or spright

[ sprahyt ]

noun

1. (in folklore) an elf, fairy, or goblin.

sprite

/ spraɪt /

noun

1. (in folklore) a nimble elflike creature, esp one associated with water
2. a small dainty person
3. an icon in a computer game which can be manoeuvred around the screen by means of a joystick, etc

Other Words From

• spritehood noun
• spriteless adjective
• spritelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprite¹

1400–1450; Middle English sprit, spreit, from Anglo-French spirit(e), Old French esprit, espirit(e), from Latin spīritus spirit

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprite¹

C13: from Old French esprit, from Latin spīritus spirit ¹

Synonym Study

See fairy.

Example Sentences

This is the wavelength band in which any sprites or elves on Jupiter would be expected to glow.

From Science News For Students

Since then, Juno has seen 11 flashes of light on the gas giant that could be sprites or elves.

From Science News For Students

Juno could confirm that these lights are sprites or elves with more observations, says Rohini Giles.

From Science News For Students

It’s different from the red hues of sprites and elves on Earth.

From Science News For Students

Scientists thought sprites and elves also might dance above other planets that crackle with lightning.

From Science News For Students

Prince may have pranced around like a carefree libertine onstage, but in rehearsal he was more drill sergeant than sprite.

From The Daily Beast

They can be ingested sporadically or used as a mixer throughout the night (though a can of Sprite seems to be the latest trick).

From The Daily Beast

Many of the ones around today are more like the Sprite Generation but there are still some old school left in La Eme.

From The Daily Beast

I tried beer in high school, before discovering Zima, a sweet and bubbly malt-liquor/wine-cooler hybrid that tasted like Sprite.

From The Daily Beast

Bottles of Gatorade, Coke, and Sprite and cans of beer lay crushed on the sidewalk.

From The Daily Beast

Some sprite, favourable to the peace of Hartledon, had been writing confidentially from Ireland regarding Kirton and his doings.

From Project Gutenberg

Each sprite of aromatic perfume when released plunged into noiseless tumult with opposing fumes.

From Project Gutenberg

At mid-afternoon I was at my desk, trying to work, and this sprite had been making it impossible for half an hour.

From Project Gutenberg

Then yielded the roselet her innocent sprite, To God she commended it as it took flight.

From Project Gutenberg

Once upon a time, there lived at the top of a very tall tree a little magic sprite.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• spright