sprinkler system

American  

noun

1. apparatus for automatically extinguishing fires in a building, consisting of a system of water pipes in or below the ceilings, with valves or sprinklers usually made to open automatically at a certain temperature.

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sprinkler system British  

noun

1. a fire-extinguishing system that releases water from overhead pipes through nozzles (sprinklers) opened automatically by a rise in temperature

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Etymology

Origin of sprinkler system

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sprinkler system

Instead, the sprinkler system activates and floods the entire house, turning a contained problem into widespread damage.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

An internal sprinkler system supplemented by unmanned ground sprinklers helped stabilize temperatures around 90 degrees, division chief and hazardous materials program manager Nick Freeman said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2026

But Ridder has been frustrated by delays in inspections to verify compliance with new building codes, such as requiring a fire sprinkler system in the roof.

From Barron's ● Jan. 4, 2026

He drew inspiration from Canada, which permits a lower design standard for small residential buildings under three stories—not requiring a sprinkler system, for example.

From Slate ● Apr. 25, 2025

They were at a house where two months earlier they’d installed a sprinkler system.

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar

Related Words

• sprinkler