sprag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Industrial / Dialectal (obsolete)
Quick answer
What does “sprag” mean?
A short wooden or metal prop used to stop a wheel or vehicle from rolling, typically in mining or on a slope.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short wooden or metal prop used to stop a wheel or vehicle from rolling, typically in mining or on a slope.
A device or measure used to prevent motion, especially unwanted movement or reversal. Can also refer to a lively, alert person (dialectal, chiefly British, obsolete).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term in technical/mining contexts. The obsolete dialectal sense 'lively person' is exclusively British.
Connotations
Technical, practical, safety-oriented. Neutral-to-positive in technical use.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specific industries like mining, quarrying, or heavy vehicle maintenance.
Grammar
How to Use “sprag” in a Sentence
to sprag [a wheel/vehicle][object] was spraggedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sprag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The miners were trained to sprag the tubs before working on them.
- Always sprag the lorry wheels on this incline.
American English
- The mechanic spragged the bulldozer's tracks before crawling underneath.
- Regulations require you to sprag any vehicle on a grade exceeding 5%.
adverb
British English
- He placed the chock sprag against the wheel. (rare/archaic construction)
adjective
British English
- The sprag mechanism failed, causing a runaway.
- Ensure the sprag brake is engaged.
American English
- Check the sprag clutch for wear.
- A faulty sprag assembly can lead to rollback.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical or technical engineering texts.
Everyday
Virtually unknown.
Technical
Used in mining, heavy vehicle maintenance, and some mechanical engineering contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sprag”
- Confusing with 'sprig' (a small twig).
- Using as a common verb for 'stop'.
- Misspelling as 'sprang'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised technical term. Most native speakers would not know it unless they work in relevant industries.
Yes, in technical contexts. 'To sprag' means to secure or stop with a sprag (e.g., 'sprag the wheels').
They are often synonyms in the context of stopping wheels. 'Sprag' can imply a specific, sometimes more robust or purpose-built device, especially in mining. 'Chock' is the more general, common term.
A mechanical clutch that allows rotation in one direction but locks against rotation in the opposite direction, often using sprags (rollers or pawls) as the locking elements. Common in starter motors and some transmissions.
A short wooden or metal prop used to stop a wheel or vehicle from rolling, typically in mining or on a slope.
Sprag is usually technical / industrial / dialectal (obsolete) in register.
Sprag: in British English it is pronounced /spræɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /spræɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sprag the wheels (to halt progress metaphorically - very rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SPRing AGAinst a wheel – SPRAG – stopping it from moving.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAFETY IS A PHYSICAL BLOCK / PREVENTION IS A WEDGE.
Practice
Quiz
In which industry is the word 'sprag' most likely to be used?