springboard

1 of 2

noun

spring·​board ˈspriŋ-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce springboard (audio)
plural springboards
1
: a flexible board usually secured at one end and used for gymnastic stunts or diving
2
: something that helps launch an activity, enterprise, etc.
… hopes motherhood will be the springboard that relaunches her stagnant acting career.Roy S. Johnson
… Ueberroth is denying claims that he will use the Games as a springboard to high political office.Ray Kennedy

springboard

2 of 2

verb

springboarded; springboarding; springboards
1
intransitive : to launch upward from or as if from a springboard
… cloud-scraping 60-meter punts pulling a half-dozen bodies skyward, each trying to springboard off the small of the other's back …Gary Smith
2
transitive + intransitive : to start or help start something (such as an activity or enterprise)
The company has spent heavily to establish a brand name and reputation from scratch, with no brick-and-mortar stores to springboard its efforts.Chris O'Malley
Fortunately I got the approval, and that springboarded the work.Andrew Grant

Examples of springboard in a Sentence

Noun The news served as a springboard for a class discussion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
People who want to collaborate, learn, participate, organize, dance and use this tiny festival as a springboard for something much much greater. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Before and during this year’s edition, the festival’s guests and policies were a springboard for heated discussion of the war in Ukraine, the war in Palestine, antisemitism and Germany’s far-Right political movements. Patrick Frater, Variety, 27 Feb. 2024 As a result, people accustomed to leveraging 0% APR for debt consolidation or as a springboard for investment opportunities may find this option diminishing. Jack McColl, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 In prior elections, the Iowa Caucuses serve as a springboard in the race, boosting candidates who outperform their competitors. David Jackson, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 By prioritizing adaptability, celebrating incremental victories and fostering a culture of continuous learning, leaders can navigate the unpredictable waters of competition, transforming setbacks into springboards for success. Chris Gannett, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2024 It’s been a springboard for some genuinely talented people, from comic Brian Jordan Alvarez to writer Rayne Fisher-Quann to chef Tabitha Brown. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2023 The British producer and electronic music artist springboards from his pop-up show at the iconic Sydney Opera House to a six-date arena run of Sydney and Melbourne next month, plus the promise of another surprise show on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2024 The Miz Logan Paul was in peak form with a springboard clothesline on the apron followed by a Frog Splash on the apron. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
Verb
Pearce hopes the show will help springboard him into other roles and opportunities. Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2024 Many entities were able to springboard off the change in lifestyle to its consumers that the pandemic brought to the table. Josh Wilson, Forbes, 16 July 2022 Both are looking to springboard into the next stage of their careers behind the camera, Diggs as producer helping artist friends get projects off the ground and Casal with an eye to direct his first feature. Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2021 Good chance what was arguably the worst game of QB Tom Brady's career (four turnovers Sunday) will springboard TB12 to the first losing season of his 23-year career ... Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2022 Given that everyone from Principal Henderson (Keith David) to the local cops and reporters covering the spiraling case has felt the sting of Mrs. Wheeler’s tongue, the allegations springboard swiftly from the high school rumor mill to explosive murder scandal. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2022 The brisker the spread, the more chances a variant with enhanced capabilities has to springboard into broader circulation. Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2021 McDonald's didn't say if the chicken Big Mac will be available nationwide but hinted the test run in Florida could springboard it to a menu near you. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2022 That goal helped springboard the Atlantic Division to a 7-5 victory in the final game of the night. Colby Guy, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'springboard.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of springboard was circa 1780

Dictionary Entries Near springboard

Cite this Entry

“Springboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/springboard. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

springboard

noun
spring·​board ˈspriŋ-ˌbō(ə)rd How to pronounce springboard (audio)
-ˌbȯ(ə)rd
1
: a flexible board usually fastened at one end and used for jumping high in gymnastics or diving
2
: a point of departure
a springboard to success in business

More from Merriam-Webster on springboard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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