Definition: Sprite

In computer graphics, a sprite is a two-dimensional bitmap that is part of a larger scene (e.g., a 2D video game). Sprites can be static images or animated graphics.

Sprites were the standard way to integrate graphics into video games in the 1980s and 1990s. Every character and object in the game was represented by a sprite that the game’s designer created. In modern times, 2D sprites have been replaced by 3D polygons because of the superior graphics rendering power that is available.

Sprites are also used to represent icons as part of a user interface.

The most basic way to create animation is by showing multiple images(sprites) in a quick succession:

For animation, graphic developers often use sprite sheets consisting of multiple static images that can be used for animation.