# spraying

/ˈspɹeɪɪŋ/ (US) · /spɹˈeɪɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spraying
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. applying liquid in drops

verb · CEFR B1

the action of sending out liquid in a stream of very small drops.

For teachers: the present participle of 'spray', describing the continuous action of dispersing liquid in a fine mist or jet.

- He was spraying the garden plants with water to keep them cool.
- The automated system was spraying a fine mist over the produce to maintain humidity levels throughout the afternoon.

### 2. the act of dispersing liquid

noun · CEFR B2

the act or process of putting liquid onto something in tiny drops.

For teachers: the act of applying a substance in the form of a spray, often used in agricultural or industrial contexts.

- The regular spraying of the crops helped protect them from insects.
- Environmental agencies monitored the aerial spraying of the forest to ensure the treatment did not affect the local water supply.

### 3. animal behaviour

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

when an animal, like a cat, marks its area with a small amount of urine.

For teachers: a form of scent marking in animals, particularly felines, involving the directed discharge of urine onto vertical surfaces.

- The vet explained that spraying is a way for male cats to mark their territory.
- Behavioural specialists often suggest neutering as a primary solution to discourage territorial spraying in domestic cats.

## Examples

- The spraying of the crops happens every spring.
- Regular spraying of the fruit trees is necessary to protect the harvest from invasive insects.
- The automated spraying system ensures an even coat of sealant across the entire fuselage, reducing the risk of corrosion in high-altitude environments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.