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

CoreWeave is closely tied to Microsoft, OpenAI and a smattering of other large players, while Nebius seems to view deals with the big players as a springboard to reach a much wider set of customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

This game could be a springboard to a series win that would lead to a Western Conference semifinal series in two weeks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

The show plays a key role in supporting emerging artists and its contest has been described as a major career springboard.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

That comment could be the springboard for “Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture,” at the Frick Collection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 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