plural sprats also sprat
1
a
: a small European marine fish (Sprattus sprattus) of the herring family

called also brisling

b
: any of various small or young fish (such as an anchovy) related to or resembling the herrings
2
: a young, small, or insignificant person

Examples of sprat in a Sentence

planning to spend their vacation at a couples-only resort where they would not be bothered by snotty-nosed sprats
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Local delicacies include rye bread, sprat sandwiches, the Estonian pastry Pirukad, Mulgipuder which is a porridge of mashed potatoes and barley and Kohuke, a sweet cheese curd and chocolate snack. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Her family’s Christmas lunch includes two versions of Jansson’s temptation (one with sprats, one without) and, of course, schnapps and singing. Eric Kim, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English sprot, from Old English sprott

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sprat was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sprat

Cite this Entry

“Sprat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprat. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

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