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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sprinkler system

Instead of containing the flames, the building's sprinkler system activates everywhere, flooding the entire house and causing widespread damage.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

It started appearing in my parents’ pantry in Costco two-packs, usually beside gigantic cases of bottled water, enough paper towels to absorb a malfunctioning sprinkler system and gallon-sized jugs of olive oil.

From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2026

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

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

Out of habit, she gazed up toward the ceiling, as if she might see her father there on his ladder, tinkering with the sprinkler system, the temperature gauges, and the lights.

From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau

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