Springboard
noun, verb
noun, verb ·2 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A board consisting of a flexible, springy, cantilevered platform that propels one into the air, used for diving or gymnastics.
- 2 a beginning from which an enterprise is launched wordnet
- 3 Something that acts as a catalyst to begin or accelerate an action or growth. figuratively
"The opportunity acted as a springboard for their success."
- 4 a flexible board for jumping upward wordnet
Verb
- 1 To launch or propel as if from a springboard, especially toward political office. transitive
"Such a change could amount to a seismic shift in the nation’s electoral dynamics, potentially springboarding a Republican into the White House, and the possibility has animated hopeful Republicans and fearful Democrats."
Example
More examples"In the project "Springboard to Languages," they teach Esperanto in schools in Great Britain as a propaedeutic to prepare for learning other languages."
Etymology
From spring + board.
Related phrases
More for "springboard"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.