sprinkler
UK: /ˈsprɪŋ.klər/ | US: /ˈsprɪŋ.klɚ/
n. a device used to spray water in small drops or streams (e.g., for irrigation or firefighting).
n. a person who sprinkles something (e.g., salt, seeds).
sprinkler = sprinkle<to scatter in drops> + er<agent noun suffix>
- sprinkle: From Middle English sprenklen, frequentative form of sprengen (to scatter), derived from Old English sprengan (to cause to burst or scatter). Related to Dutch sproeien (to spray) and German spritzen (to squirt).
- er: A suffix forming agent nouns (e.g., "teacher," "runner"), from Old English -ere, Proto-Germanic -ārijaz.
Etymology Origin:
The word "sprinkler" combines the action of scattering liquid ("sprinkle") with the agent suffix "-er," creating a term for a device or person that performs this action. Its roots trace back to Old English and Germanic languages, reflecting the practical need to describe tools for dispersing water or other substances.
The garden sprinkler turns on automatically every morning.
Firefighters used a high-pressure sprinkler to control the blaze.
She worked as a salt sprinkler at the pretzel factory.
The sprinkler system activated when smoke was detected.
He adjusted the lawn sprinkler to water the flowerbeds evenly.