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
Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
In addition, there’s a post-credits scene that features the young version of Sammie signing a song, which, like the mid-credits scene, doesn’t serve as a springboard for a sequel.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 18 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
Their European Cup success in 1968, the first by an English club, came to be seen not as a springboard to further glories but as the end of the emotional journey that had seen their legendary manager Matt Busby rebuild the club and the team from the ashes of the Munich air disaster.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
In addition, there’s a post-credits scene that features the young version of Sammie signing a song, which, like the mid-credits scene, doesn’t serve as a springboard for a sequel.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 18 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 3 May. 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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