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

In retrospect, he says he wishes he had a generator that he could have used to power a sprinkler system around the property after the electricity went out.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 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

It’s a sprinkler system set up before the blaze arrived to protect the sequoias and continue to shoot water onto their hefty trunks, according to the video provided by USFS.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2025

Good thing the sprinkler system worked or Mr. Hoo might have had a good fire.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Related Words

• sprinkler