springer

American  

[spring-er] / ˈsprɪŋ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that springs.

2. Architecture. the first voussoir above the impost of an arch.

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springer British  

/ ˈsprɪŋə /

noun

1. short for springer spaniel

2. Also called: springing cow.  a cow about to give birth

3. a person or thing that springs

4. architect

   1. the first and lowest stone of an arch

   2. the impost of an arch

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Etymology

Origin of springer

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; spring, -er ¹

Example Sentences

The springer spaniels, Thomas added, will work at a shoot on Boxing Day.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

Specific dog breeds at increased risk include chow chows, bulldogs, French bulldogs, dogue de Bordeaux, greyhounds, boxers, English springer spaniels, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, pugs, golden retrievers and Staffordshire bull terriers.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

Her dog, a springer spaniel named Bruce, was found with her and was safe and well.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2024

Scottish terriers, English springer spaniels, standard poodles and Pekingeses all have five or more wins.

From Washington Times • May 5, 2023

There were some more conventional pets, too: Tana, a beautiful white and lemon cocker spaniel who was given to me, and Hobo, a springer spaniel I looked after for a friend.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall