adjective
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possessing or characterized by resilience or bounce
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(of a place) having many wells or springs of water
Other Word Forms
- springily adverb
- springiness noun
Etymology
Origin of springy
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."
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.
Super spikes, however, have an actual sole—the thickness of a deck of cards made out of high-tech, energy-returning foam—plus a springy carbon-fiber plate.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025
The Texas-based dancer auditioned for “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008, impressing judges with his fluid movements, controlled popping and locking and springy leaps.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025
As Haigh explained, repeated use of the club wears down its face which becomes more springy as a result.
From BBC • May 19, 2025
Nascimento no longer has the pure, otherworldly vocal tone of his youth, but Spalding bolsters him, singing in Portuguese alongside him and probing the harmonies with springy bass lines.
From New York Times • May 17, 2024
He held me for a moment, then carefully placed me on the springy ferns.
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.