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

“Punctuation can be an amazing springboard for discussions,” she writes, “as long as we translate the results into real action in law, work, allyship, and social cooperation.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

The position is also a springboard to higher office.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

This is a real springboard opportunity for Arthur to further build his career.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 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

I tried to be as clear as I could, and acted as if I myself were teaching the class rather than merely acting as a springboard for Rav Gershenson’s comments.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

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

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

Hemp and hemp products are springboards for innovation and economic growth, not legal loopholes.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2023

The sawyers would drop lightly from their springboards, crying: "Tim-ber-r-r-r!"

From Big Timber A Story of the Northwest by Bertrand W. Sinclair