springboard

American  

[spring-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈsprɪŋˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

• springboards
  plural

1. a flexible board, projecting over water, from which divers leap or spring.

2. a flexible board used as a takeoff in vaulting, tumbling, etc., to increase the height of leaps.

3. something that supplies the impetus or conditions for a beginning, change, or progress; a point of departure.

   a lecture to serve as a springboard for a series of seminars.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to impel or launch on or as if on a springboard.

springboard British  

/ ˈsprɪŋˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a flexible board, usually projecting low over the water, used for diving

2. a similar board used for gaining height or momentum in gymnastics

3. a board inserted into the trunk of a tree at some height above the ground on which a lumberjack stands to chop down the tree

4. anything that serves as a point of departure or initiation

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• springboards
  plural

Etymology

Origin of springboard

First recorded in 1865–70; spring + board

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

springboard springboards

The programme has acted as a springboard for emerging comedy talent, and helped boost the early careers of Michael McIntyre, Kevin Bridges, Micky Flanagan and Sarah Millican.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

The position is also a springboard to higher office.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

“These wars served as springboard for the United States to engage in widespread global diplomatic endeavors and allowed them to become a stronger nation as a whole.”

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

Burnham’s springboard to power comes after winning a special district election in Makerfield, where he beat the Reform candidate handily in what his supporters say is proof he is the man to take on Farage.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

During those revolutionary years, Boston was the springboard of the rebellion against Great Britain, and the center of activity was the North End.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Royal hunts served to exercise a kingdom’s military and occasionally as springboards to war.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 2026

Some who appear on shows such as Love Island - including influencers Molly-Mae Hague and Maura Higgins - use their time in the villa as springboards to far greater success.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2025

Mexican Chicagoans in the food industry usually acknowledge that Bayless restaurants have served as springboards for a veritable tree of future chef ventures, making him critical for the ecosystem of Midwestern Mexican fine dining.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2025

Gingrich said he hopes the documents “will inspire future generations not only as historical records, but also as springboards for active participation in our democracy and for embarking on their own intellectual pursuits and citizenship.”

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 5, 2024

When it had gaped wide enough the men hopped down from their springboards, laid aside their axes, and betook themselves to the saw.

From The Rules of the Game by Stewart Edward White