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

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

From Literature

An exterior sprinkler system can pump 40,000 gallons of water from giant tanks hidden behind the shrubs in the property’s yard.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• aerosol
• sprayer