sprat

noun

ˈsprat How to pronounce sprat (audio)
plural sprats also sprat
Synonyms of spratnext
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

Synonyms

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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.
Some 134,000 tons of frozen pelagic fish — such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, sprats and herring — are thawed and tossed into European tuna cages every year. — Julia Amberger, Nanni Fontana, Marzio Mian, & Nicola Scevola (tr. Elettra Pauletto), The Dial, 3 Apr. 2025 The area also acts as a nursery for fish like lemon sole, plaice, and European sprat. — Lauren Lowman, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for sprat

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Browse Nearby Words

sprangly
sprat
sprat loon
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Cite this Entry

“Sprat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprat. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sprat

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