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 the following spring, the first wildflowers had sprung up, and the native plants were digging deep root systems.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2025
I wanted to find out where this image had sprung from.
From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2024
Within about a decade, similar sales had sprung up in Gordonville, Farmersville, Strasburg and Gap.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 12, 2024
Thanks in part to his efforts, this John Griffin celebrated a triumphant return to the land from which his people had sprung by seeking sanctuary in a toilet cubicle at the bus station.
From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin
