sprinkler

[ spring-kler ]

noun

1. any of various devices for sprinkling, sprinkle, as a watering pot, a container of water with a perforated top used to sprinkle clothes before ironing, or especially a perforated ring or small stand with a revolving nozzle to which a hose is attached for watering a lawn with a fine, even spray.
2. a person who sprinkles.

verb (used with object)

1. to provide (a warehouse, school, office building, etc.) with a sprinkler system.

ˈsprinkler

/ ˈsprɪŋklə /

noun

1. a device perforated with small holes that is attached to a garden hose or watering can and used to spray plants, lawns, etc, with water
2. a person or thing that sprinkles
3. See sprinkler system

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprinkler¹

First recorded in 1525–35; sprinkle + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Even with some type of disaster relief, Bell said loss of land, crops and infrastructure, such as sprinkler heads, valves, pipe fittings and hoses, can set a farmer back about six years or more.

From Los Angeles Times

Phillips had left work that morning to check on her 18-year-old dog, Little Miss, and turn on her sprinklers when she first heard of the fire.

From Los Angeles Times

"The most important thing I’ve got is a holy water sprinkler... The idea is that water is blessed and it’s then quite literally sprinkled around the house."

From BBC

A digital billboard urged residents to turn off their sprinklers when it rains.

From Los Angeles Times

“I didn’t know how that was going to be possible, because we had many more plants to water, but switching to drip irrigation made such a difference from regular sprinklers.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aerosol
• sprayer
• sprinkler