sprinkler

American  

[spring-kler] / ˈsprɪŋ klər /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

sprinkler British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of sprinkler

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

Example Sentences

“This place should feel like kids playing under a water sprinkler on a hot summer day,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The company has upgraded the fire sprinkler system and is working on resolving “all of the city’s issues.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 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

The International Fire Code in 2018 added a sprinkler requirement for bars and nightclubs with occupancy over 300, but adoption varies across America and Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

One of the moms across the street set up a sprinkler in her front yard, and soon all the kids in the neighborhood were running through the sprinkler and grabbing handfuls of Cheetos.

From "The Lemonade War" by Jacqueline Davies

Related Words

• aerosol
• sprayer