Language Research

spring · noun

/sprɪŋ/Full view

spring (SEASON)

A2 C or U the season of the year between winter and summer, when the weather becomes warmer and plants start to grow again

Dictionary examples:

spring flowers/weather

Many bulbs flower in (the) spring.

Janet's coming over for a couple of weeks next spring.

Learner example:

You can come in spring. (Key English Test; A2; Arabic)

spring (WATER)

C1 C a place where water comes out of the ground

Dictionary example:

hot springs

Learner example:

Also there is a hot spring beside a river. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Japanese)

spring · verb

/sprɪŋ/

spring back/forward/out, etc.

C2 to jump or move somewhere suddenly

Dictionary examples:

The cat sprang onto the sofa.

I tried to shut the door, but it kept springing open.

Learner example:

Suddenly, we heard a clap of thunder and all of us sprang to our feet. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

spring to mind

C2 If a word or idea springs to mind, you suddenly think of it.

Dictionary example:

He asked if I knew any good places to go, but nothing sprang to mind.

Learner example:

Darwinism and the "survival of the fittest" springs to mind here - only the ones that fight hardest and compete against others make it to the top. (International English Language Testing System; C2; German)

spring from sth

C2 to come from or be the result of something

Dictionary example:

Many of his problems spring from his strict religious upbringing.

Learner example:

Here again, the musicians are concentrated on the energy and beauty of their surroundings and their lyrics spring from everyday observations, thus greatly enhancing the potential of small things. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

spring up

C2 to appear suddenly

Dictionary example:

A lot of new hotels have sprung up along the coast recently.

Learner example:

A number of new budget airlines have sprung up in Europe for the last several years. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Sindhi)