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.

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springy British  

/ ˈsprɪŋɪ /

adjective

1. possessing or characterized by resilience or bounce

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

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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."

Example Sentences

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

Related Words

• bouncy
• malleable
• pliable
• rubbery