spring
verb (used without object)
to rise, leap, move, or act suddenly and swiftly, as by a sudden dart or thrust forward or outward, or being suddenly released from a coiled or constrained position.
had sprung
-
past perfectof spring.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The network of groups that had sprung up to help this wave of immigrants integrate into the city pivoted.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
By Friday morning, a small makeshift memorial of votive candles and roses had sprung up outside of a ground-level apartment neighbors said was associated with the man who was killed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 2, 2026
I wanted to find out where this image had sprung from.
From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2024
South Ribble Borough Council's environmental health team did an inspection of her drains but the authority said it was ultimately unable to help because the sinkhole had sprung up on private land.
From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2024
Bushes had sprung up everywhere; small huts were completely swallowed in browned grass.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
