sportula

noun

spor·​tu·​la
ˈspȯ(r)chələ
plural sportulae
-chəˌlē
also sportulas
: a gift (as of food or money) usually from an ancient Roman to one of his clients and often at regular intervals or on prescribed occasions

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, little basket, diminutive of sporta basket, from (assumed) Etruscan spurta, from Greek spurid-, spuris; akin to Greek sparton plaited rope, esparto (spiral)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near sportula

Cite this Entry

“Sportula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sportula. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!