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
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.
See Examples For:
The noodles are springy and dense, meaning they hold their shape nicely when soaked in broth and have a nice chew.
From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2026
The trees were once a source of timber for floorboards as well as in cart wheels and wagon bottoms due to their wood being naturally springy.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026
Bank of America Institute said its internal data showed a springy 4% increase in credit-card spending in the 12 months ended in April on all goods and services other than gas.
From MarketWatch ● May 16, 2026
The plates are springy, resulting in a propulsive effect while enhancing foot stability.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 2026
Sometimes when I saw him at a distance—fists in pockets, whistling, bobbing along with his springy old walk—I would have a strong pang of affection mixed with regret.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Tracks are now built with springier surfaces and lighting systems that help pace record attempts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 25, 2025
When I wear springier shoes with bouncy cushioning that I know are designed to improve my running economy, I tell myself that I will perform better.
From Slate ● Dec. 16, 2023
For springier, crustier bread, bake your dough in a Dutch oven like J. Kenji López-Alt.
From Salon ● Jan. 9, 2022
Uthappam, thicker and springier than a dosa, is offered with a variety of toppings; shredded carrots are a nice contrast to the tangy canvas.
From Washington Post ● May 27, 2021
The Gymnova bars were springier and swung me faster than the bar setup I’d trained on for most of my life—and that day, I just couldn’t seem to get the hang of them.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
Hardman might be the springiest athlete in the league.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 5, 2019
He is the picture of the springiest heel that ever walked himself over and fell flat on his face, and the portrait was not an easy one to draw.
From Time Magazine Archive
Last week at Big Spring, Tex., one of the springiest men in oil performed another of his remarkable saltations.
From Time Magazine Archive
Yeah, if I remember correctly, on that springiest of Friday nights, the roar was deafening.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
There was a dress length of the softest, springiest silk, the kind that creaks when you squeeze it, and it was of the shade that Pearl had seen in her dreams.
From The Second Chance by Nellie L. McClung
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
