Sprat/spræt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Fishing Terminology The word 'sprat' is often used in the context of fishing to describe small fish. Anglers were comparing the size of their sprats. Pro Tip 2/3Literal Size 'Sprat' literally refers to a small-sized fish, highlighting their insignificance in size. The sprat struggled against the current. Pro Tip 3/3Metaphoric Use Used metaphorically, 'sprat' suggests something is a means to a larger end. He considered the small job a sprat to secure the bigger contract.