To scatter small drops or particles of something lightly over a surface or to rain lightly.
From Middle Dutch 'sprenkelen' or Low German origins, the word has been in English since the 14th century. It's likely related to 'spring' because of the bouncing or sprinkling motion.
The word perfectly captures the visual—those little sugar sprinkles on a donut literally 'spring' or bounce when you pour them, which is probably why it's called 'sprinkle' instead of just 'scatter'!
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