springboard

[spring-bawrd, -bohrd]

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.

verb (used with or without object)

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

springboard

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of springboard¹

First recorded in 1865–70; spring + board

Example Sentences

However, Zelensky has always said Ukraine cannot relinquish the parts of the Donbas it still holds, on the grounds that Russia could later use the area as a springboard for further attacks.

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The Ukrainian president has often ruled out withdrawing from the region, arguing that Russia could use it as a springboard for future attacks.

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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.

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"The players will go back into the training ground in a better place, but they have to use this as a springboard to make sure they kick on," said former United skipper Roy Keane.

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“Honey’s is a really great starting place for that; it’s been a springboard for younger artists to come explore and try new things like what Chappell’s done.”

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