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

Bowie's never short of canine company, sharing farm life with Thomas's other dogs, springer spaniels Bob, Lala, George and Flo.

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

We asked it to draw a springer spaniel going down a hill on a sledge.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2023

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

From Washington Times • May 5, 2023

“Thanks for the tip,” I said as she bounded off like a springer spaniel.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos