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

Once a predominantly Black neighborhood, the area was displaced decades ago to make way for Tropicana Field and a nearby highway spur. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Massive trucks carrying thousands of gallons of milk bore down the narrow road, and three men dressed in full regalia used their spurs to whirl sweating horses past us at a full gallop. —Kayla Aletha Welch, Longreads, 19 Nov. 2024

Verb

The conference recommended the additional judgeships to Congress, spurring the introduction of the JUDGES Act. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024

Yet even with uncertainty on the horizon, some buyers might feel spurred into action. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2024

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