Sprinkle

Sprinkle is a verb meaning to scatter small amounts, often droplets or particles, over a surface. It can also refer to the small amount itself, as in a sprinkle of pepper, or to edible decorations used on foods.

In cooking and baking, sprinkles are small sugar-based decorations used to adorn cakes, cookies, ice cream, and other confections. Common varieties include sugar sprinkles (colorful non-uniform shapes), nonpareils (tiny round beads), jimmies (thin rod-shaped pieces), and sanding sugar (larger crystals). They come in many colors and flavors. Food-grade sprinkles are designed to be eaten; some brands are vegan, while others may contain dairy, gelatin, or gluten, so labels should be checked. Sprinkles are primarily used for decoration and to add texture, though heat can cause some types to melt or bleed color.

In other uses, sprinkle describes a light fall of rain or drizzle, as in a brief, scattered shower. The phrase “a sprinkle of rain” is common in everyday speech. The term is also related to sprinklers in irrigation and fire-safety systems, which are devices designed to distribute water over a wider area; the connection lies in the general idea of distributing small amounts over a space, though the devices themselves are distinct from the culinary decorations.