spring
verb (used without object)
to rise, leap, move, or act suddenly and swiftly, as by a sudden dart or thrust forward or outward, or being suddenly released from a coiled or constrained position.
were springing
-
past progressiveof spring.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
A year later, another team made similar recommendations to executives, presenting sales data and retailer intelligence about Gen Z and millennial shoppers, many of whom were springing for premium versions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 2, 2026
"This absolutely kicked into high gear from 2016 - football pitches were springing up everywhere," says Dr Mike Gow - an expert in contemporary China at Edge Hill University.
From BBC ● Mar. 20, 2025
Deaths from COVID-19 in January 2021 were at record highs when the mask order was put forth, averaging more than 3,000 a day, and new variants were springing up.
From Seattle Times ● May 9, 2022
COVID-19 deaths in January 2021 were at record highs when the mask order was put forth, averaging more than 3,000 a day, and new variants were springing up.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2022
Goyle bellowed and put his hands to his nose, where great ugly boils were springing up — Hermione, whimpering in panic, was clutching her mouth.
From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling
