springboard

American  

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

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of springboard

First recorded in 1865–70; spring + board

Example Sentences

The country's 24 senators are elected on the national level and the Senate is a traditional springboard for those hoping to run for president or vice-president in the future.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

May 7 Though plenty of comics view crowd work as just another part of the job, comedian Nate Jackson has made it the springboard to a career.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

He hit headlines in the 1990 games after striking and cutting his head on the springboard while competing.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

That then served as a springboard for an international career.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

The way Adam remembers it, we all ran down a runway and hit a little springboard, then did a handstand into a layout.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles