# sprinkle

/ˈspɹɪŋkəɫ/ (US) · /spɹˈɪŋkəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. to scatter small pieces

verb · CEFR B1

to drop small amounts of a liquid or a dry substance over something.

For teachers: to scatter small drops of liquid or fine particles of a solid substance over a surface.

- Sprinkle a little salt over the potatoes before you put them in the oven.
- The chef instructed the trainees to sprinkle the finely chopped herbs evenly across the dish to ensure a balanced flavour profile.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'over' or 'on'.

### 2. to rain lightly

verb · CEFR B2

to rain very lightly, often for a short time.

For teachers: to rain in very fine, light drops; typically used impersonally with 'it'.

- It started to sprinkle just as we arrived at the park for our picnic.
- Although it began to sprinkle during the outdoor ceremony, the guests remained in their seats as the clouds showed no sign of a heavy downpour.

### 3. cake decorations

noun · CEFR B1

tiny, colourful pieces of sugar used to decorate cakes and cookies.

For teachers: small, often multi-coloured pieces of confectionery used as a decorative topping for desserts.

- The children wanted extra chocolate sprinkles on their ice cream cones.
- The bakery specialises in custom cupcakes topped with gold-leaf sprinkles and hand-piped buttercream frosting.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form.

### 4. a light rain

noun · CEFR B2

a very light and brief period of rain.

For teachers: a brief and light fall of rain, less intense than a shower.

- We didn't need umbrellas because it was just a light sprinkle.
- A sudden sprinkle dampened the pavement, but the heat of the afternoon sun dried it within minutes.

## Examples

- Sprinkle some salt over the potatoes before serving.
- The baker likes to sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm cookies to give them a professional finish.
- The gardener used a small can to sprinkle water over the delicate seedlings, ensuring the soil remained moist without washing the tiny plants away.

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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.