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.
Perhaps a hint of lavender in Ford’s new-car spritz?
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026
There, many skiiers also complain about day trippers, noting that many seem more interested in sunbathing and drinking spritz on the slopes, where loud music pumps out from nearby speakers.
From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026
Give the basket a spritz of cooking spray and a final sprinkle of salt before cooking.
From Salon • Mar. 8, 2025
If you become aware the flight attendants are using spray to "spritz" the aircraft near you, you may want to put some socks or deodorant on, Mary says, as cabin crew won't say anything directly.
From BBC • Sep. 28, 2024
“Diluted leftover dye. C’mere, sweetie, and let me spritz you so that you have Joey Pow red hair too.”
From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen
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.
