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.

---

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

---

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

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

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

He helped organize the Fox gig and both men genuinely believe that this could be a springboard into Hollywood.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

I couldn’t jump sideways, so I leaped straight up, kicking off from the creature’s head, using it as a springboard, turning in midair, and landing on his neck.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

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

The company’s new Siri 2.0, due out early next year, springboards new categories that are not yet embedded in financial models, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 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

As they watched, Beverly ran out along the line of springboards; testing each one and selecting the stiffest.

From Masters of Space by Robert Lee Berry