spring

verb \ ˈspriŋ \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

sprang play \ˈspraŋ\ or sprung play \ˈsprəŋ\; sprung; springing play \ˈspriŋ-iŋ\

intransitive verb

1 a (1) : dart, shoot

sparks sprang out from the fire

(2) : to be resilient or elastic; also : to move by elastic force

the lid sprang shut

b : to become warped

2 : to issue with speed and force or as a stream

tears spring from our eyes

3 a : to grow as a plant

b : to issue by birth or descent

sprang from the upper class

c : to come into being : arise

towns sprang up across the plains

d archaic : dawn

e : to begin to blow —used with up

a breeze quickly sprang up

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

Recent Examples of spring from the Web

Fair Square is one of a string of software-intensive lenders and financial service firms that have sprung up in Wilmington in recent years, capitalizing on the area’s concentration of credit card managers and workers.

— joseph n. distefano, Philly.com, "Ex-Citi, Comcast execs raise another $100M for FairSquare credit cards," 15 May 2018
At least 10 major wildfires have already burned tens of thousands of acres in the western states, with the Arizona Tinder Fire—which sprang up two weeks ago in the Coconino National Forest—claiming more than 16,000 acres alone (Climatewire, May 2).

— chelsea harvey, Scientific American, "Dismal Western Snowpack is a Climate “Warning Sign”," 14 May 2018
Revitalization and development projects sprung up by the handfuls around Towson’s core during Kamenetz’s seven years as county executive.

— libby solomon, baltimoresun.com, "'A changed place': How Kamenetz altered downtown Towson's landscape," 11 May 2018
As debates about the First Amendment have crowded op-ed sections, I was reminded of one that sprang up in my hometown in 1993.

— mari uyehara, GQ, "How Free Speech Warriors Mainstreamed White Supremacists," 8 May 2018
In the '90s, Lloyd Center got a roof and a new, high-end mall -- Pioneer Place -- sprung up in the center of downtown.

— lizzy acker, OregonLive.com, "What is a mall in 2018? How Portland shopping centers change to meet new consumer demands," 7 May 2018
Pro bono law clinics sprang up in airport terminals; massive spontaneous protests erupted outside them.

— dara lind, Vox, "How Trump’s travel ban became normal," 27 Apr. 2018
A few lawns signs sprung up in recent weeks asking people to reject the proposal because of the tax increase.

— bill leukhardt, Courant Community, "Berlin Voters Reject $89.55 Million Budget At Referendum," 25 Apr. 2018
Much of the economic growth has been concentrated in the capital, Asuncion, where new shopping malls, hotel complexes and apartment buildings have sprung up in recent years.

— patrick j. mcdonnell, latimes.com, "In Paraguay, presidential front-runner is son of aide to ex-dictator Stroessner," 22 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spring.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of spring

Middle English, from Old English springan; akin to Old High German springan to jump and perhaps to Greek sperchesthai to hasten

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

See Words from the same year

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 (such 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

spring

noun, often attributive

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 : spring tide

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

—

springlike

play \ˈspriŋ-ˌlīk\ adjective

See spring defined for English-language learners

Examples of spring in a Sentence

We'll plant the seeds next spring.
We've had a rainy spring.
a beautiful day in early spring
The first few weeks of spring were unusually warm.
The mattress is old and some of the springs are broken.
The cushion has lost its spring.

Recent Examples of spring from the Web

Fitzgerald boarded a plane two days later and is now in Florida for extending spring training.

— rich mayor, chicagotribune.com, "Boston Red Sox sign Fenwick grad Ryan Fitzgerald to minor-league deal," 15 May 2018
Nobody paid much attention to baseball drug testing when Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio was busted in spring training—the only other major leaguer caught this season.

— tom verducci, SI.com, "Robinson Canó Will Sit 80 Games for a Drug Violation, But His Reputation Is Forever Tarnished," 15 May 2018
Here's what insider Laken Litman took away from Notre Dame's spring game.

— laken litman, Indianapolis Star, "Notre Dame football's Brian VanGorder got at least $257,000 in buyout," 15 May 2018
The staff ace, who has been out since a line drive broke his left pinkie on his final appearance of spring training, threw off the mound for the first time before Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.

— jorge l. ortiz, USA TODAY, "Madison Bumgarner gets closer to mound return for San Francisco Giants," 14 May 2018
Lewis’ return is roughly on the same timetable as general manager Jerry Dipoto hoped for going into spring training.

— ryan divish, The Seattle Times, "Watch: Mariners’ top prospect Kyle Lewis doubles in his 2018 debut," 13 May 2018
Both Pell and Kline visited for Boise State's spring game.

— dave southorn, idahostatesman, "Boise State football adds another four-star 2019 recruit in former Arizona commit | Idaho Statesman," 12 May 2018
DeSclafani strained his left oblique in spring training.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Starlin Castro's 3 RBI helps Marlins down Reds, win fourth straight series," 6 May 2018
The Cincinnati Reds, Brooklyn Dodgers and Washington Senators held spring training at the iconic venue.

— ryan gillespie, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Tinker Field History Plaza memorializes civil rights and baseball in Orlando," 2 May 2018

First Known Use of spring

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

spring Synonyms

Synonyms

cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, root, seedbed, source, well, wellspring;

ground zero, square one;

Other Calendar Terms

antedate, estival, gloaming, luster, sesquicentennial

spring

verb

sprung play \ˈsprəŋ\; springing play \ˈspriŋ-iŋ\

transitive verb

: to fit with springs

Recent Examples of spring from the Web

Earlier today on the streets of New York City, Sienna Miller embraced the sunny climate (yes, spring has finally sprung!) unveiling a cheery new look.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Sienna Miller Says Hello to a New Season With the Cheery Handbag," 2 May 2018
Spring has finally sprung and that means yard sales, farmers markets, prom, graduation and year-end celebrations for local schools.

— christina hyder, Howard County Times, "Spring means yard sales, proms and more [North Laurel/Savage]," 26 Apr. 2018
Spring has sprung, and there’s no shortage of things to do around Northeast Ohio.

— cleveland.com, "31 things to do in Cleveland the weekend of April 26-29," 26 Apr. 2018
Getty Images Spring has finally sprung—and so have the millions of tiny flyaways on the top of my head.

— alex warner, Marie Claire, "Brie Larson's Hairstylist Used a Brilliant Trick to Hide Her Flyaways," 24 Apr. 2018
Spring has sprung, and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than on a rooftop snacking and sipping under blue skies?

— meredith cohn, baltimoresun.com, "Hotel Revival, Baltimore's newest boutique hotel, debuts in Mount Vernon. Take a look inside.," 17 Apr. 2018
Spring has sprung, and that means the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival is just around the corner.

— kathy harris, star-telegram, "Music, food, 200-plus artists: It's almost Main St. time, and here is what's new in 2018 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 16 Apr. 2018
Spring has sprung, and the best and the brightest lip, cheek, and eye-shadow palettes for spring are in full bloom.

— devon abelman, Allure, "The 19 Best Spring Makeup Palettes for Eyes, Cheeks, and Lips," 4 Apr. 2018
Spring has sprung, and Markle gets points for pulling power-coating into a whole new season.

— courtney shea, The Cut, "A Definitive Ranking of Meghan Markle’s Power Coats," 27 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of spring

1821

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Financial Definition of SPRING

spring

noun

What It Is

Springs are false breakouts that can trap the unsuspecting trader. Spring patterns quickly reverse, with the stock or index then often testing the opposite end of the trading range. A spring is a false breakout to the downside. It is so-named because prices "spring" back.

How It Works

Springs are a type of technical pattern named by legendary technician Richard Wycoff. The quality of the spring can be judged by an examination of the degree of penetration of support or resistance, as well as the volume on the day or period this penetration occurred. These four scenarios are possible:

-- Large penetration on large volume
Large penetration on small volume
Small penetration on large volume
Small penetration on small volume

For a spring, a small penetration on small volume is bullish, as it indicates there are few traders who are willing to sell their shares below support.

Springs provide the swing trader with good opportunities. First, they can provide a stop loss, which should be placed just below the extreme of the day the spring occurred. They can also create a target, since the stock is likely to test the opposite end of the trading range.

Why It Matters

Being able to accurately recognize a spring can turn a potential threat from a false breakouts into an opportunity. Swing traders should always watch the activity following a breakout to confirm whether a stock is behaving as it should. If not, then it might still provide an excellent trading situation -- if you spot a spring in the making.

Source: Investing Answers

SPRING Defined for English Language Learners

spring

noun

: 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.

SPRING Defined for Kids

spring

verb \ ˈspriŋ \

sprang \ˈspraŋ\ or sprung \ˈsprəŋ\; sprung; springing

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.

spring

noun

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 \

: any of various elastic orthodontic devices used especially to apply constant pressure to misaligned teeth

Learn More about spring

See words that rhyme with spring Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spring Spanish Central: Translation of spring Nglish: Translation of spring for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spring for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spring

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up spring? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

spring

Recent Examples of spring from the Web

Origin and Etymology of spring

Synonym Discussion of spring

spring

springlike

Examples of spring in a Sentence

Recent Examples of spring from the Web

First Known Use of spring

spring Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Calendar Terms

spring

Recent Examples of spring from the Web

First Known Use of spring

Financial Definition of SPRING

What It Is

How It Works

Why It Matters

SPRING Defined for English Language Learners

spring

SPRING Defined for Kids

spring

spring

Medical Dictionary

spring

Learn More about spring

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Ingenious' and 'Ingenuous': More Than a Typo

9 Words from the Magical Realm

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word