1. a small herring-like fish found in European waters
2. a small or insignificant person
Usage: informal

Examples

• The fishermen caught a net full of sprats near the coast.
• Sprats are often used as bait for larger fish.
• The restaurant served grilled sprats as an appetizer.
• Don’t worry about that little sprat – he can’t cause any real trouble.
• Schools of sprats swim close to the surface during summer months.
• The old fisherman taught his grandson how to identify sprats from other small fish.