noun
sprat
SPRAT
Sprat (noun) means a small, herring-like marine fish, especially one of the genus Sprattus, often eaten whole. Example: “The fishmonger had a tray of fresh sprats on ice.”
noun
1
A small, herring-like marine fish, especially one of the genus Sprattus, often eaten whole.
"The fishmonger had a tray of fresh sprats on ice."
"We grilled a few sprats with lemon for a quick supper."
"Sprats are often smoked or tinned like sardines."
How to use sprat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sprat is a small fish related to herring, similar to a sardine.
When to use it
It is an everyday, informal word used mainly for food and fishing.
Memory tip
The plural can stay as sprat or become sprats, so both forms are correct.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
fresh sprats
smoked sprats
tin of sprats
shoal of sprats
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The fishmonger had a tray of fresh _____ on ice.
Etymology
The word descends from Middle English sprotte, which itself came from Old English sprot. It is related to German Sprotte and Dutch sprot, though its ultimate origin beyond that is not known.
Synonyms
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brisling
Rhymes for sprat
See all rhymes for sprat →Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish is a sprat?
It is a small, herring-like marine fish, particularly one belonging to the genus Sprattus.
Are sprats and sardines the same fish?
No, they are different but similar small oily fish, and people sometimes use the names loosely for either.
How do you cook sprats?
They are commonly grilled, fried, smoked or tinned, usually eaten whole because of their small size.
What is the meaning of sprat?
"sprat" (noun) means a small, herring-like marine fish, especially one of the genus Sprattus, often eaten whole.
