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.

ˈsprinkler 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

As California’s water crisis worsened, recalling the constant swish of sprinklers throughout her childhood piqued her interest in native plants.

From Los Angeles Times

"We've been conditioned to believe that there are fire sprinklers or extinguishers nearby, right? I remember thinking at one point, 'We're all going to get wet'. Obviously that didn't happen."

From BBC

The sprinkler system kicked in overhead, providing only limited relief, soaking the both of them but doing little to disperse the smoke.

From Literature

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

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

Related Words

• aerosol
• sprayer