holy water sprinkler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Religious; occasionally Figurative/Informal
Quick answer
What does “holy water sprinkler” mean?
A small implement, often in the shape of a brush, rod, or perforated container, used in Christian religious rituals to sprinkle holy water upon people, objects, or places as a blessing or purification.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small implement, often in the shape of a brush, rod, or perforated container, used in Christian religious rituals to sprinkle holy water upon people, objects, or places as a blessing or purification.
The term can also be used colloquially or metaphorically to refer to any device or person that liberally dispenses or spreads something (often ideas, money, or criticism) in an indiscriminate or sanctimonious manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The object is common in both UK and US Catholic contexts. The metaphorical usage is slightly more attested in British humorous/ journalistic writing.
Connotations
Literal use: sacred, ritualistic. Metaphorical use: implies excessive, unthinking, or mechanically ritualistic distribution.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general corpora. Higher frequency within religious texts and discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “holy water sprinkler” in a Sentence
The priest used the [holy water sprinkler] to bless the congregation.They purchased a new [holy water sprinkler] for the chapel.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy water sprinkler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar will asperge the congregation.
- He asperged the doorway with the holy water sprinkler.
American English
- The priest will sprinkle holy water on the coffin.
- She used the sprinkler to bless the new car.
adjective
British English
- The holy-water-sprinkler ritual is ancient.
- They needed a new holy water font.
American English
- The holy water sprinkler ceremony was brief.
- It was a holy water blessing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except perhaps in a metaphorical critique of a CEO's spending habits.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history of liturgy, or anthropology of ritual.
Everyday
Rare. Understood primarily by those with a Christian background.
Technical
Specific term in liturgical studies and ecclesiastical supply catalogues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy water sprinkler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy water sprinkler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy water sprinkler”
- Misspelling as 'holey water sprinkler' (implying it has holes).
- Confusing it with a general garden or fire sprinkler.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to holy water sprinkle').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'aspergillum' is the formal liturgical term for a holy water sprinkler.
Yes, they are sold by religious goods suppliers, often online, in materials ranging from simple plastic to ornate metal.
The specific term is Christian. Other religions have similar implements for liquid purification (e.g., a hyssop branch in Judaism), but they are not called 'holy water sprinklers'.
It describes someone or something that spreads an abstract thing (like money, praise, or rules) as freely and indiscriminately as one sprinkles holy water in a ritual.
A small implement, often in the shape of a brush, rod, or perforated container, used in Christian religious rituals to sprinkle holy water upon people, objects, or places as a blessing or purification.
Holy water sprinkler is usually specialized/religious; occasionally figurative/informal in register.
Holy water sprinkler: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli ˈwɔːtə ˌsprɪŋklə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli ˈwɔːt̬ər ˌsprɪŋklər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To wield/wave the holy water sprinkler (figurative): To dispense praise, funds, or dogma in a routine, indiscriminate way.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a miniature watering can used not for plants, but for spreading blessings in a church.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS BLESSING IS LIQUID DISTRIBUTION; DISSEMINATION OF IDEAS IS A RITUAL SPRINKLING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise, technical synonym for 'holy water sprinkler'?