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

Sarah Godwin has invested £15,000 in a ventilation and sprinkler system at her farm near Chippenham, Wiltshire, to help her animals cope with the "nearly continuous heatwave we are living through".

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 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

“She helped me figure out a malfunctioning sprinkler system last fall. Then I helped her change a lightbulb she couldn’t reach.”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• sprinkler