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Sprinkling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sprinkling

[ˈsprɪŋ.kəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weather

A light shower of rain.

Synonyms

drizzle, shower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sprinkling

Use this word when referring to a light and sporadic fall of rain or any other substance like sugar or flour.

  • There was just a sprinkling of rain yesterday.
  • She added a sprinkling of sugar to the top of the cake.
shower

Typically used for a brief period of rain that is heavier than a drizzle but not as long-lasting as steady rain.

  • We got caught in a sudden shower on our way home.
  • There will be scattered showers throughout the afternoon.
drizzle

This word describes a light, continuous rain, more intense than a sprinkling but not as strong as a shower.

  • It started to drizzle when we left the house.
  • The weather forecast says it will drizzle all day.

Examples of usage

  • The weather forecast predicts a sprinkling of rain in the afternoon.
  • We were caught in a sprinkling as we walked home.
Context #2 | Noun

cooking

A small amount of an ingredient scattered or distributed over food.

Synonyms

dash, pinch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sprinkling

Used to describe a light, even amount of something, often in cooking or weather.

  • There was a light sprinkling of snow on the ground.
  • She added a sprinkling of cheese on top of the pasta.
dash

Used when adding a small amount of liquid or an ingredient to food or drink, often to enhance flavor.

  • Add a dash of hot sauce to give the soup some spice.
  • He finished his drink with a dash of lemon juice.
pinch

Used to describe a small amount of something, typically a powder or granular substance, grabbed between the thumb and finger, often in cooking.

  • Add a pinch of salt to the dough.
  • She put a pinch of cinnamon on her oatmeal.

Examples of usage

  • She added a sprinkling of cinnamon to the apple pie.
  • The dish was garnished with a sprinkling of fresh herbs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Sprinkling is a common technique in cooking where you add small amounts of seasoning or toppings to enhance flavor and presentation.
  • In baking, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or chocolate can significantly improve the look and taste of desserts.

Nature

  • In gardening, sprinkling refers to distributing seeds or fertilizer evenly over soil, promoting healthy growth.
  • Natural rainfall can be described as sprinkling when it lightly drizzles instead of pouring.

Artistic Expression

  • Artists often sprinkle paint or glitter to create texture and depth in their artworks, making them more dynamic.
  • In crafts, sprinkles can refer to small decorative elements, like sequins or beads, that are added to projects for flair.

Language and Communication

  • The term 'sprinkling' can be used metaphorically to describe adding little bits of humor or emotion into storytelling.
  • Writers often sprinkle their narratives with vivid imagery, creating a more engaging experience for the reader.

Science

  • Sprinkling can refer to the distribution of nutrients in soil, which is vital for plant health and growth.
  • In meteorology, 'sprinkling' describes light precipitation, often indicating a transition to heavier rainfall.

Origin of 'sprinkling'

The word 'sprinkling' originated from the verb 'sprinkle', which comes from the Middle English 'sprinklen', meaning 'to scatter drops or particles'. The usage of 'sprinkling' to refer to a light shower of rain dates back to the 17th century. In cooking, the term 'sprinkling' has been used to describe a small amount of an ingredient since the 19th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,412, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.