springboard
noun
spring·board
| \ ˈspriŋ-ˌbȯrd
\
\
plural springboards
Definition of springboard
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
verb
springboarded;
springboarding;
springboards
Definition of springboard (Entry 2 of 2)
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
Jenny Lake is also a springboard for day hikes to Paintbrush Canyon and secluded Leigh Lake. — Joe Yogerst, National Geographic, "Everything to know about Grand Teton National Park," 29 July 2019 That early-season springboard carried Laver past stars like Ken Rosewall, Arthur Ashe and Newcombe to complete the last men’s calendar slam in history. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Epic Federer, Djokovic Wimbledon final sparks memories of Laver in 1969," 23 July 2019 Two hours before the women’s 3-meter springboard diving final, Sarah Bacon is one of two divers warming up out of the 12 competing that evening. — Ryan Gregory, Indianapolis Star, "Indy diver Sarah Bacon hopes to carry Pan American Games momentum into 2020 Olympic Trials," 7 Aug. 2019 Bravery's partners see the project as an incubator; each concept is encouraged to use Bravery as a springboard for a full-fledged brick-and-mortar restaurant or brand extension. — Greg Morago, Houston Chronicle, "Ambitious Bravery Chef Hall now open downtown," 24 July 2019 Can Osman use last season and his impending FIBA World Cup appearance as a springboard? — Chris Fedor, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers and John Beilein’s search for ‘small victories’ that will define the season -- Chris Fedor," 3 July 2019 The downtown ballpark was promised as a springboard to success for the Padres. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Who are most impactful people in Padres history that didn’t play for team?," 23 June 2019 This should be Odom’s best season so far, and could be a springboard toward a better future. 3. — Sam Mellinger, kansascity, "Mellinger Minutes: Bobby Witt Jr., Ned Yost, Patrick Mahomes and dad’n," 4 June 2019 These three components create a springboard for endless flavor combinations that can range from whatever is in season to whatever is in your cupboard. — Chelsea Zwieg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Crumbly good: Classic coffeecake is just a starting point," 9 Jan. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'springboard.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for springboard
springboard
noun
English Language Learners Definition of springboard
: a strong, flexible board that is used for jumping very high in gymnastics or diving
: something that helps you start an activity or process
See the full definition for springboard in the English Language Learners Dictionary
springboard
noun
spring·board
| \ ˈspriŋ-ˌbȯrd
\
\
Kids Definition of springboard
: a flexible board usually fastened at one end and used for jumping high in the air in gymnastics or diving
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