B2verbhomeenvironment
US/spreɪ/
UK/spreɪ/
to send out liquid in many small drops through the air
In context
Farmers spray their crops to protect them from insects.
She sprayed a little perfume on her wrist before the party.
Someone sprayed paint all over the wall of the school.
Words that go with spray
verb + preposition
- spray withThe kids sprayed each other with water guns.
verb + noun
- spray cropsDrones are now used to spray crops in the Mekong Delta.
- spray waterSpray water on the plants every morning.
- spray perfumeDon't spray perfume in a small car.
- spray pesticideWear a mask when you spray pesticide.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
They sprayed the mosquitoes medicine around the house.Correct: They sprayed insecticide around the house to kill the mosquitoes.