sprig
sprig Lexical Profile
sprig Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small stem bearing leaves or flowers, plucked from a bush or plant and often used as a culinary garnish or decoration.
"The chef placed a fresh sprig of rosemary on top of the roasted potatoes before serving."
An ornament or decorative motif in the shape of a small leafy shoot, especially one worked on fabric or pottery.
"She wore a vintage summer dress patterned with delicate blue sprigs on a white background."
A small, headless, wedge-shaped nail or brad used especially in woodworking and glazing.
"The glazier secured the windowpane into the wooden sash using several small metal sprigs before applying the putty."
A young person or descendant of a family (often used playfully or somewhat disparagingly).
"The lively young sprig of the noble family was eager to make his mark in the capital."
• verb
To decorate or ornament (especially fabric or pottery) with a pattern of small stems, leaves, or flowers.
"The artisan carefully sprigged the porcelain teacup with tiny white blossoms before firing it."
To plant (an area of ground) with small rooted shoots or runners of grass rather than seed.
"The groundskeepers sprigged the new golf course fairways with hybrid Bermuda grass in late spring."
To fasten or secure with small headless nails or brads.
"He sprigged the thin wooden molding into place along the edge of the cabinet."
• Rhymes for sprig
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in Middle English as 'sprigge', the word is likely related to Middle Low German 'sprik' (meaning twig) and Old Norse 'sprek' (meaning stick), ultimately tracing back to a Germanic root meaning to sprout or burst forth.