Spring

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Learner's definition of SPRING

A: spring /ˈsprɪŋ/  noun plural springs

1 : the season between winter and summer : the season when plants and trees begin to grow

[count]

• We'll plant the seeds next spring.
• We've had a rainy spring.
• the spring of 1984

[noncount]

• a beautiful day in early/late spring
• The first few weeks of spring were unusually warm.

— often used before another noun

• our spring catalog
• a new spring wardrobe
• spring colors/flowers

2 

a [count] : a twisted or coiled piece of metal that returns to its original shape when it is pressed down or stretched

• The mattress is old and some of the springs are broken.

— see also box spring

b [noncount] : the ability of something to return to its original shape when it is pressed down, stretched, twisted, etc.

• The cushion has lost its spring.

3 

[count] : a source of water coming up from the ground

• a mineral spring

— see also hot spring

4 

[singular] : a lively and energetic quality

• She had a spring in her step.

5 

[singular] : a quick sudden leap up or forward

• The deer gave a spring and was gone.

— see also handspring

B spring /ˈsprɪŋ/ verb

springs; sprang /ˈspræŋ/  or sprung /ˈsprʌŋ/ ; sprung;springing

1 

[no object]

a : to move or leap suddenly forward or upward

• The lion was waiting to spring.
• The deer sprang up the path.
• I sprang to my feet.
• He sprang out of his seat and ran to the door.

b always followed by an adverb or preposition : to move quickly to a different position

• The lid sprang open/shut.
• The branch sprang back and hit her.
• The rope stretches and springs back into shape. [=returns to its original shape]

2 

[+ object] informal : to help (someone) to get out of or escape from jail, prison, etc.

• He tried to spring his accomplice.
• His lawyer managed to get him sprung from prison.

spring a leak

: to start to leak : to suddenly let water in or out through a crack or break

• The boat/pipe sprang a leak.

spring a surprise

: to do, ask, or say something that is not expected

• Everyone knows she's not likely to spring a surprise.
• The teacher sprang a surprise on us and gave a quiz.

spring a trap

: to capture someone or something (such as an animal or criminal) with a trap — often + on

• Police sprang a trap on the drug smugglers.

spring for

 [phrasal verb]

spring for (something) US, informal

: to pay for (something) : to spend money on (something)

• She refuses to spring for a new coat.
• I'll spring for dinner.

spring from

 [phrasal verb]

spring from (something) informal

: to start from or be caused by (something)

• The idea sprang from [=came from] a dream I had.

spring from the loins

— see loin

spring into/to action/life

: to become suddenly very active and energetic

• They sprang into action as soon as they received their orders.
• The crowd sprang to life after the first goal was scored.

spring on

 [phrasal verb]

spring (something) on (someone)

: to surprise (someone) with (something, such as a request or announcement)

• You should try to prepare them for your decision instead of just springing it on them suddenly.

spring to mind

— see ¹mind

spring up

 [phrasal verb]

: to grow or appear suddenly

• The weeds sprang up overnight.
• New housing developments are springing up all over the state.

tears spring to your eyes

◊ If tears spring to your eyes, you suddenly start to cry.

• Tears sprang to his eyes when he read about the accident.

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