sprinkle

Definition

To cause (a substance) to fall in fine drops (for a liquid substance) or small pieces (for a solid substance).

Etymology

From Middle English sprenkelen, sprynklen, from Middle Dutch sprenkelen, equivalent to sprink + -le (frequentative suffix). Cognate with Dutch sprenkelen (“to sprinkle”), German Low German sprenkeln (“to sprinkle; dapple”), German sprenkeln (“to sprinkle”).

Example Sentences

• "The confectioner sprinkled icing sugar over the cakes."
• "And the priest shall[…]sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord."
• "At twilight in the summer[…]the mice come out. They[…]eat the luncheon crumbs. Mr. Checkly, for instance, always brought his dinner in a paper parcel in his coat-tail pocket, and ate it when so disposed, sprinkling crumbs lavishly[…]on the floor."