spring·board
ˈspriŋ-ˌbȯrd 
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
Roy S. Johnson… Ueberroth is denying claims that he will use the Games as a springboard to high political office.—Ray Kennedy
Ray Kennedy
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
Gary Smith2
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
Chris O'MalleyFortunately I got the approval, and that springboarded the work.—Andrew Grant
Andrew GrantExamples of springboard in a Sentence
Noun
The news served as a springboard for a class discussion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Bhatia, the defending champion of the event, comes to TPC San Antonio with the idea of using it as a springboard for next week.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025
In addition to signing big-name veterans, the GFL is seemingly looking to balance things out with a few young prospects who could springboard to stardom within the organization.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for springboard
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Noun
Those late-season appearances should serve as a springboard into an important offseason for the 23-year-old who is hoping to become a more permanent fixture in Denver’s defensive backfield.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Bhatia, the defending champion of the event, comes to TPC San Antonio with the idea of using it as a springboard for next week.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Our choice clearly isn't the best starting point from which to springboard a camper company specializing in affordable, inconspicuous caravans.
—New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025
In addition to signing big-name veterans, the GFL is seemingly looking to balance things out with a few young prospects who could springboard to stardom within the organization.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for springboard
Cite this Entry
“Springboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/springboard. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
springboard
noun
spring·board
ˈspriŋ-ˌbō(ə)rd
-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
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