Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

springy

American  
[spring-ee] / ˈsprɪŋ i /

adjective

springier, springiest
  1. characterized by spring or elasticity; flexible; resilient.

    He walks with a springy step.

    Synonyms:
    youthful, bouncy, buoyant
  2. (of land) abounding in or having springs of water.


springy British  
/ ˈsprɪŋɪ /

adjective

  1. possessing or characterized by resilience or bounce

  2. (of a place) having many wells or springs of water

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • springily adverb
  • springiness noun

Etymology

Origin of springy

First recorded in 1585–95; spring + -y 1

Explanation

Something that's springy is flexible and bounces back when you press it, like springy grass or springy curls in your hair. Modern playgrounds often have springy surfaces on the ground under swings and slides for safety. The idea is that if kids fall on a springy mat, they will be cushioned, or even bounce a little bit, instead of injuring themselves. You can also use springy to describe an easy, carefree movement: "She marched to the stage with springy steps to accept her award."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even the “basic jitteriness” he identified in his own letter-writing is actually all to the good; they have the repleteness of his fiction, the springy, unexpected notice of the smallest particulars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

“Humans are stretchy springy systems, that very nearly walk without much in the way of neural control,” Brooks writes.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2025

Still celebratory, still springy, still very much a carrot cake — but one with a bit more je ne se quoi.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2025

After stepping through a river, Robbie crouches down, and peels away springy grass and soil.

From BBC • May 24, 2024

We found one at the edge of the woods, about two feet long, one inch thick, and still green enough to be slightly springy.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon