Sprinkle vs. Powder — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Sprinkle involves scattering small particles or droplets, often used for liquids and toppings, whereas powder refers to any substance crushed into fine particles.
Difference Between Sprinkle and Powder
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sprinkle is typically used to describe the action of scattering small amounts of a substance lightly over a surface, often for culinary or decorative purposes. In contrast, powder describes a dry, fine-grained substance that results from the grinding or pulverizing of a solid.
When you sprinkle something, you generally do it with a gesture that involves small, quick movements, such as shaking a container or using fingers. On the other hand, powder is already in a fine particulate form and is either applied directly or mixed with other substances.
Sprinkle is often used in cooking, for instance, to add herbs, spices, or confectionery decorations like sprinkles on cakes and cookies. Whereas, powder can refer to ingredients like flour, cocoa, or powdered sugar, which are integral to the recipe’s texture and flavor.
In gardening or other practical applications, to sprinkle can mean to lightly distribute liquids like water or pesticides. Conversely, powdered substances in these contexts might include compounds like lime or sulfur, which are spread over areas to adjust soil conditions or control pests.
The verb form "sprinkle" implies a method of application, while "powder" as a noun primarily refers to the physical state of a material. This distinction influences how each term is used in various contexts, from cooking to cosmetics.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To scatter small particles lightly over a surface.
A fine, dry substance made by grinding a solid.
Usage in Forms
Primarily a verb.
Primarily a noun.
Common Uses
Toppings on food, watering plants.
Ingredients in cooking, makeup, detergents.
Application
Through shaking or using hands.
Applied directly, mixed, or dusted.
Contexts
Cooking, decorating, gardening.
Cooking, cosmetics, cleaning.
Compare with Definitions
Sprinkle
To apply small particles, like glitter or sand, sparsely.
The artist sprinkled gold dust on the painting.
Powder
Ground material with fine particles.
The recipe calls for 100 grams of cocoa powder.
Sprinkle
To scatter droplets of liquid over something.
She would sprinkle water on the plants every evening.
Powder
A dry, pulverized substance used for cleaning or polishing.
He added washing powder to the laundry.
Sprinkle
To distribute small amounts lightly across a surface.
I like to sprinkle cinnamon on my latte.
Powder
Describes snow when it is light and fluffy.
The mountain was covered with fresh powder.
Sprinkle
Used figuratively to mean adding a small amount of something.
He sprinkled his conversation with interesting facts.
Powder
A substance used in cosmetics, like face powder.
She applied powder to set her makeup.
Sprinkle
To perform a light rain or snowfall.
A light sprinkle began as we walked home.
Powder
Any material reduced to a fine, dust-like state.
They used chili powder for the marinade.
Sprinkle
To scatter in drops or particles
Sprinkled sugar on the cereal.
Powder
A powder is a dry, bulk solid composed of many very fine particles that may flow freely when shaken or tilted. Powders are a special sub-class of granular materials, although the terms powder and granular are sometimes used to distinguish separate classes of material.
Sprinkle
To scatter drops or particles on
Sprinkled the buns with flour.
Powder
A substance consisting of ground, pulverized, or otherwise finely dispersed solid particles.
Sprinkle
To intersperse with something as if by scattering
Sprinkled his speech with quotations.
Powder
Any of various preparations in the form of powder, as certain cosmetics and medicines.
Sprinkle
To distribute or intersperse at random
Sprinkled jokes throughout the speech.
Powder
Light dry snow.
Sprinkle
To scatter something in drops or particles.
Powder
To turn into or produce as a powder
Tea that is powdered.
Sprinkle
To fall or rain in small or infrequent drops.
Powder
To put powder on
Powdered the cake with sugar.
Sprinkle
The act of sprinkling.
Powder
To strew or ornament with small objects or flecks
The stars powdered the sky.
Sprinkle
A light rainfall.
Powder
The fine particles which are the result of reducing a dry substance by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or the result of decay; dust.
Sprinkle
A small amount; a sprinkling.
Powder
(cosmetics) A mixture of fine dry, sweet-smelling particles applied to the face or other body parts, to reduce shine or to alleviate chaffing.
Sprinkle
Sprinkles Small particles of candy sprinkled on ice cream as a topping.
Powder
(informal) powder snow; light, dry, fluffy snow.
Sprinkle
(transitive) To cause (a substance) to fall in fine drops (for a liquid substance) or small pieces (for a solid substance).
The confectioner sprinkled icing sugar over the cakes.
Powder
Ellipsis of powder blue; the colour powder blue.
Sprinkle
(transitive) To cover (an object) by sprinkling a substance on to it.
The confectioner sprinkled the cakes with icing sugar.
Powder
(transitive) To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder.
Sprinkle
(intransitive) To drip in fine drops, sometimes sporadically.
It sprinkled outside all day long.
Powder
(transitive) To sprinkle with powder, or as if with powder.
To powder one's hair
Sprinkle
(intransitive) To rain very lightly outside.
It sprinkled very early in the morning.
Powder
(intransitive) To use powder on the hair or skin.
Sprinkle
(transitive) To baptize by the application of a few drops, or a small quantity, of water; hence, to cleanse; to purify.
Powder
(intransitive) To turn into powder; to become powdery.
Sprinkle
A light covering with a sprinkled substance.
He decorated the Christmas card with a sprinkle of glitter.
Powder
To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat.
Sprinkle
A light rain shower.
Powder
To depart suddenly; to "take a powder".
Sprinkle
An aspersorium or utensil for sprinkling.
Powder
The fine particles to which any dry substance is reduced by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or into which it falls by decay; dust.
Grind their bones to powder small.
Sprinkle
A small hard piece of sugar and starch, or chocolate, used to decorate cakes etc.
Powder
To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder; to comminute; to pulverize; to triturate.
Sprinkle
To scatter in small drops or particles, as water, seed, etc.
Powder
To sprinkle with powder, or as with powder; to be sprinkle; as, to powder the hair.
A circling zone thou seestPowdered with stars.
Sprinkle
To scatter on; to disperse something over in small drops or particles; to besprinkle; as, to sprinkle the earth with water; to sprinkle a floor with sand.
Powder
To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat.
Sprinkle
To baptize by the application of a few drops, or a small quantity, of water; hence, to cleanse; to purify.
Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
Powder
To be reduced to powder; to become like powder; as, some salts powder easily.
Sprinkle
To scatter a liquid, or any fine substance, so that it may fall in particles.
And the priest shall . . . sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord.
Powder
To use powder on the hair or skin; as, she paints and powders.
Sprinkle
To rain moderately, or with scattered drops falling now and then; as, it sprinkles.
Powder
A solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
Sprinkle
To fly or be scattered in small drops or particles.
Powder
Any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a powder
Sprinkle
A small quantity scattered, or sparsely distributed; a sprinkling.
Powder
Apply powder to;
She powdered her nose
The King wears a powdered wig
Sprinkle
A utensil for sprinkling; a sprinkler.
Powder
Make into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust;
Pulverize the grains
Sprinkle
A light shower that falls in some locations and not others nearby
Sprinkle
The act of sprinkling or splashing water;
Baptized with a sprinkling of holy water
A sparge of warm water over the malt
Sprinkle
Cause (a liquid) to spatter about, especially with force;
She splashed the water around her
Sprinkle
Rain gently;
It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick
Sprinkle
Scatter with liquid; wet lightly;
Sprinkle the lawn
Common Curiosities
What is the primary use of sprinkle?
Sprinkle is mainly used to add a decorative or flavor-enhancing touch to dishes and desserts.
Is it correct to use sprinkle for liquids?
Yes, it is correct to use sprinkle when referring to distributing liquids in small amounts.
Can powder be used as a verb?
Yes, "to powder" means to apply or dust with a powdered substance.
What types of materials can be described as powder?
Materials such as flour, sugar, cosmetic products, and detergents can be powders.
How do sprinkle and powder differ in cooking?
Sprinkle is used for adding toppings like herbs, while powder is used as a core ingredient like flour.
What is the typical context for using sprinkle in gardening?
It is used for applying water or small seeds.
How can one effectively use sprinkle in everyday cooking?
Use it for adding a light touch of spices or condiments.
How does the application method differ between sprinkle and powder?
Sprinkling involves a light, controlled gesture, whereas powdering can involve dusting or mixing.
Which is generally lighter, sprinkle or powder?
Powder typically denotes a finer material.
Can sprinkle and powder be interchanged in recipes?
No, because they serve different purposes in terms of texture and application.
What are the physical properties of a typical powder?
A powder is fine and loose with particles that easily disperse.
Can both sprinkle and powder be used in cosmetics?
Yes, though sprinkle is less common and usually pertains to applying small decorative elements like glitter.
Is sprinkle used in any specific industries?
Yes, in food and beverage for decorative purposes.
What safety considerations are there for using powders?
Inhalation risks can be a concern, particularly with very fine powders like flour or chemical agents.
What is a common mistake made when using sprinkle or powder?
Overusing either can overwhelm the intended effect in culinary or other applications.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
