spur

1 of 2

noun

ˈspər 

1

a

: a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse

b

spurs plural [from the acquisition of spurs by a person achieving knighthood] : recognition and reward for achievement

won his academic spurs as the holder of a chair in a university

—James Mountford

2

: a goad to action : stimulus

3

: something projecting like or suggesting a spur: such as

a

: a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine

b(1)

: a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect)

especially : one on a cock's leg

(2)

: a gaff for a gamecock

c

: a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine)

d

: bone spur

e

: climbing iron

4

a

: an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation

especially : a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range

b

: a railroad track that branches off from a main line

5

: a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification

spur

2 of 2

verb

spurred; spurring

transitive verb

1

: to urge (a horse) on with spurs

2

: to incite to action or accelerated growth or development : stimulate

3

: to put spurs on

intransitive verb

: to spur one's horse on

Phrases

on the spur of the moment

: on impulse : suddenly

Synonyms

Noun

• boost
• encouragement
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incentive
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• momentum
• motivation
• provocation
• stimulant
• stimulus
• yeast

Verb

• dig
• goad
• prod

Choose the Right Synonym for spur

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action.

motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Examples of spur in a Sentence

Noun

the threat of losing its only sports franchise was the spur the city council needed to finally do something about the rising crime rate

a weak wall that might need a spur

Verb

The reward spurred them to work harder.

Lower interest rates should spur economic growth.

He spurred the horse onward.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Out sprawled a wild sea of glass eyes, silver spurs and mystery elixirs locked into filmy jars. —Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025

Technically called a nectar spur, the tube funnels sugary liquid to pollinators who can reach it, and this new species has one that's over a foot long. —Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024

Verb

Many were hoping the Federal Reserve ‘s rate cuts would spur a recovery in the sector, since lower rates mean cheaper debt and less burdensome financing costs. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

The massive quantities have spurred McCurry and other researchers to consider potential harms from the material. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spure, from Old English spura; akin to Old English spurnan to kick — more at spurn entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing spur

• bone spur
• spur gear
• spur-of-the-moment

Kids Definition

spur

1 of 2 noun

ˈspər 

1

a

: a pointed device fastened to the back of a rider's boot and used to urge a horse on

b

plural : recognition for achievement

2

: something that makes one want to do something : incentive

3

a

: a stiff sharp pointed part (as a horny spine on the leg of a rooster)

b

: a hollow flower part that sticks out especially on a petal (as of a columbine) or on a sepal (as of a larkspur)

4

: a mass of jagged rock coming out from the side of a mountain

5

: a short section of railway track coming away from the main line

spur

2 of 2 verb

spurred; spurring

1

: to urge a horse on with spurs

2

: to move to action : incite, stimulate

Medical Definition

spur

noun

ˈspər 

1

: a projection from an anatomical part : calcar

2

: bone spur

painful heel spurs

spurred

ˈspərd 

adjective