Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, thin shoot or twig from a plant or tree: A sprig is a small, slender branch, typically one that is young, fresh, and often bearing leaves or flowers.
   • An ornament shaped like a small branch: A sprig can also refer to a decorative design or piece that resembles a small spray of leaves or flowers.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Botanical):
  • She decorated the cake with a sprig of fresh mint.
  • The gardener pruned a few sprigs from the rosemary bush.
• Noun (Ornamental):
  • The china pattern features a delicate sprig of lavender.
  • The silver pin was shaped like a sprig of holly.

Advanced Usage

• "To be off like a sprig": An informal, somewhat dated expression meaning to leave quickly or energetically.
  • He finished his drink and was off like a sprig.
• In heraldry: A sprig can be used as a charge (a design element) on a coat of arms, symbolizing growth or a connection to nature.

Variants and Related Words

• Sprigged (adj): Decorated with a pattern of small, scattered sprigs.
  • She wore a sprigged muslin dress.
• Spriggy (adj): Abounding in or resembling sprigs; full of small shoots.

Synonyms

• Twig: A small, thin branch of a tree or shrub.
• Shoot: A new growth from a plant, such as a stem or branch.
• Spray: A small branch or bunch of flowers or berries arranged in a graceful, spreading form.

Related Phrases

• A sprig of [herb name]: A common culinary phrase.
  • Garnish the dish with a sprig of parsley.

Noun

1. an ornament that resembles a spray of leaves or flowers
2. a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division); usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year