First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1spring
verb \ˈspriŋ\
sprang \ˈspraŋ\ or sprung \ˈsprəŋ\ sprungspring·ing \ˈspriŋ-iŋ\
Definition of SPRING
intransitive verb
1
2
: to issue with speed and force or as a stream <tears spring from our eyes>
3
4
a : to make a leap or series of leaps <springing across the lawn> b : to leap or jump up suddenly <sprang from their seats>
5
: to stretch out in height : rise
6
: pay —used with for <I'll spring for the drinks>
transitive verb
1
: to cause to spring
2
a : to undergo or bring about the splitting or cracking of <wind sprang the mast> b : to undergo the opening of (a leak)
3
a : to cause to operate suddenly <spring a trap> b : to apply or insert by bending c : to bend by force
4
: to leap over
5
: to produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectedly
6
: to make lame
7
: to release or cause to be released from confinement or custody <sprung them from jail>
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Origin of SPRING
Middle English, from Old English springan; akin to Old High German springan to jump and perhaps to Greek sperchesthai to hasten
Synonym Discussion of SPRING
spring, arise, rise, originate, derive, flow, issue, emanate, proceed, stem mean to come up or out of something into existence. spring implies rapid or sudden emerging <an idea that springs to mind>. arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent <new questions have arisen> <slowly rose to prominence>. originate implies a definite source or starting point <the fire originated in the basement>. derive implies a prior existence in another form <the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast>. flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception <words flowed easily from her pen>. issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet <blood issued from the cut>. emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (as a thought) from a source <reports emanating from the capital>. proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause <advice that proceeds from the best of intentions>. stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development <industries stemming from space research>.
2spring
noun, often attributive
: the season between winter and summer : the season when plants and trees begin to grow
: a twisted or coiled piece of metal that returns to its original shape when it is pressed down or stretched
: the ability of something to return to its original shape when it is pressed down, stretched, twisted, etc.
Full Definition of SPRING
1
a : a source of supply; especially : a source of water issuing from the ground b : an ultimate source especially of action or motion
2
3
: a time or season of growth or development; specifically : the season between winter and summer comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of March, April, and May or as reckoned astronomically extending from the March equinox to the June solstice
4
: an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted
5
a : the act or an instance of leaping up or forward : bound b (1) : capacity for springing : resilience (2) : energy, bounce
6
: the point or plane at which an arch or vault curve springs from its impost
— spring·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See spring defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SPRING
before 12th century
Other Calendar Terms
3spring
transitive verb
sprung \ˈsprəŋ\ spring·ing \ˈspriŋ-iŋ\
SPRING Defined for Kids
1spring
verb \ˈspriŋ\
sprang \ˈspraŋ\ or sprung \ˈsprəŋ\sprungspring·ing
Definition of SPRING for Kids
1
: to move suddenly upward or forward : leap <The lion crouched, waiting to spring.>
2
: to appear or grow quickly or suddenly <Weeds sprang up overnight.> <Tears sprang from her eyes.>
3
: to have (a leak) appear
4
: to move quickly by or as if by stretching and springing back <The lid sprang shut.>
5
: to cause to operate suddenly <He was planning to spring a trap.>
6
: to come into being : arise <An idea sprang in his mind.>
2spring
noun
Definition of SPRING for Kids
1
: the season between winter and summer including in the northern hemisphere usually the months of March, April, and May
2
: a twisted or coiled strip of material (as metal) that recovers its original shape when it is released after being squeezed or stretched
3
: the ability of something to return to its original shape when it is compressed or stretched
4
: a source of supply (as of water coming up from the ground)
5
: the act or an instance of leaping up or forward <He … caught sight of the incredible spring of a doe … — Virginia Hamilton, M. C. Higgins>
6
: a bouncy or lively quality <She had a spring in her step.>
Medical Dictionary
spring
noun \ˈspriŋ\
Medical Definition of SPRING
: any of various elastic orthodontic devices used especially to apply constant pressure to misaligned teeth
Learn More About SPRING
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