spritz
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
Etymology
Origin of spritz
1915–20, < German spritzen to squirt, spray
Explanation
To spritz is to spray quickly and briefly, or in bursts. Rather than dousing yourself in cologne before your big date, you should probably just spritz a little on your neck. Spritz has roots in the German verb spritzen, "to squirt." You might spritz your bathroom with air freshener, spritz a pan with cooking spray, or spritz your fancy hairdo with hairspray. There are also several drinks influenced by the word spritz, including a spritzer, a bubbly carbonated drink made with wine or fruit juice.
Vocabulary lists containing spritz
Look Both Ways
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Wish
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“If consumers consider Aperol still too bitter, Sarti is definitely an easier gateway to the spritz category,” said Andrea Neri, managing director of Campari’s House of Aperitivi.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
Campari’s Aperol has ignited sales of the spritz culture in the U.S. and cemented its brand as a hallmark of aspirational joie de vivre.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026
In addition to the variety of instruments evoking the sounds of nature, it incorporated breathwork, vocal exercises and a small amount of physical sensation: a refreshing spritz of rose water.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
Another challenge is defending Aperol's distinctive character for a spritz -- which is not a registered trademark -- particularly in Italy, where some establishments serve lower-cost alternatives without clearly identifying them.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
A spritz or two even got in his mouth, sending Gregory gagging and coughing.
From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
