springs
springs — noun
1. the time of year that follows winter and comes before summer, when the air becom
the time of year that follows winter and comes before summer, when the air becomes warmer, trees grow new leaves, and many flowers start to bloom.
After the snow melted, Mei-Lin looked forward to the warm days of spring.
collocation: days of spring
In spring, the cherry trees in the park near Javier's house burst into pink blossoms.
pattern: in spring (no article)
The spring of 2024 brought heavy rains that filled the reservoirs across the region.
Many birds fly north in spring to build nests and raise their young chicks.
Fatima loves spring because the markets are full of fresh vegetables and cut flowers.
- springtime
poetic or slightly old-fashioned; emphasises the atmosphere of the season
- spring season
more formal; used in scheduling and business contexts
文法句型
in (the) spring
spring + noun (spring flowers, spring rain)
用法筆記
Unlike other season names, 'spring' is often used without the definite article: 'in spring' (not 'in the spring'), though 'the spring of [year]' is the normal pattern when specifying a particular year. Frequently modifies other nouns: spring flowers, spring rain, spring break.
常見錯誤
2. a length of wire shaped into tight circles that can be pushed into a smaller spa
a length of wire shaped into tight circles that can be pushed into a smaller space and then returns to its original shape, used to absorb shock, support weight, or store mechanical energy.
The old mattress had broken springs that poked through the fabric and scratched Dmitri's leg.
plural usage: springs in furniture
A car suspension system contains thick metal springs that smooth out bumps on the road.
collocation: metal springs
Kenji replaced the worn-out spring inside the door handle so it would snap back properly.
The springs in the sofa had become so weak that sitting down felt like hitting the floor.
A spring inside the retractable pen pushes the ink tip forward when you press the button.
- coil
focuses on the spiral shape; used in engineering contexts
- coil spring
more specific; distinguishes from leaf springs or torsion bars
文法句型
spring(s) + verb (springs push, springs support)
用法筆記
The plural 'springs' is very common when referring to the set of coils inside a mattress, sofa, or vehicle. A single spring is a single coil; but furniture is usually described as having 'springs' (multiple).
常見錯誤
3. the quality of a material that makes it return to its original shape after being
the quality of a material that makes it return to its original shape after being pressed, stretched, or bent — for example, the way a rubber band snaps back after you pull it, or how a diving board bounces back up.
The spring of the diving board helped Wei leap higher into the air before entering the pool.
collocation: the spring of + noun
Aisha could feel the loss of spring in the old tennis racket she had used for years.
collocation: loss of spring
Rubber bands lose their spring after being stretched too many times in direct sunlight.
The natural spring of the bamboo made it a good material for building a small footbridge.
- elasticity
more scientific or technical; preferred in physics and engineering
- bounce
more informal; used for balls, hair, and floors
- resilience
broader term covering both physical and emotional recovery
- stiffness
lack of flexibility; a material that resists bending or compression
文法句型
the spring of + noun
lose (its/your) spring
用法筆記
Uncountable — cannot be used in plural form. This sense focuses on the abstract property of elasticity rather than a physical object. Describes the quality of materials like rubber, metal, hair, and wood when they return to shape after deformation.
常見錯誤
4. a place where water flows naturally out of the ground, often forming the beginni
a place where water flows naturally out of the ground, often forming the beginning of a small stream or filling a pool, and sometimes containing minerals or warm temperatures.
The hikers stopped to drink the cool, clear water from a mountain spring.
collocation: mountain spring
Hot springs are popular among visitors who want to relax in warm mineral-rich water.
collocation: hot springs
A small spring in the forest provided fresh drinking water for the animals during the drought.
The water from this natural spring is so pure that the factory bottles it for sale.
Ingrid filled her bottle at the spring that bubbled up between the moss-covered rocks.
文法句型
hot spring(s)
natural spring(s)
spring water
用法筆記
Even a single geothermal bathing location is usually called 'hot springs' in plural form. 'Spring' as a water source is countable, and the plural 'springs' can refer to multiple water outlets in one area.
常見錯誤
springs — verb
1. to leap or dash forward in a swift, abrupt movement toward someone or something,
to leap or dash forward in a swift, abrupt movement toward someone or something, often because of surprise, excitement, or a sudden decision.
The cat sprang off the windowsill when it saw a bird land on the balcony railing.
past tense: sprang
Mateo sprang to his feet the moment he heard the fire alarm go off.
collocation: spring to one's feet
When the doorbell rang, the children sprang from the sofa and ran to answer it.
The gazelle sprang across the open grassland to escape the lioness that was chasing it.
Elena sprang forward to catch the glass before it hit the kitchen floor.
文法句型
spring + adverb/preposition
spring to one's feet
spring into action
用法筆記
The past tense is 'sprang' (common in British English) or 'sprung' (common in American English); the past participle is 'sprung'. Always followed by an adverb or prepositional phrase indicating direction — never used without a complement.
常見錯誤
2. to come into sight, existence, or awareness in an abrupt and unexpected way — fo
to come into sight, existence, or awareness in an abrupt and unexpected way — for example, a new shop opening overnight, or a thought suddenly entering your head.
A new coffee shop sprang up on the corner of Thi's street during the summer.
phrasal: spring up (appear suddenly)
Weeds sprang up in the garden overnight after the heavy rain.
phrasal: spring up (grow quickly)
Tears sprang to Oluwaseun's eyes when he heard the beautiful violin music.
The idea for the painting suddenly sprang into Amara's mind while she was walking home.
A cool breeze sprang up from the ocean just as the afternoon heat became unbearable.
文法句型
spring up
spring into (being/existence/mind)
spring from
用法筆記
Frequently combines with 'up' to form the phrasal verb 'spring up', meaning to appear or develop quickly. Often used with buildings, towns, businesses, or ideas as the subject. Can also combine with 'from' to indicate origin ('spring from poverty').
常見錯誤
springs — adjective
1. describes furniture, especially chairs, sofas, and mattresses, that contains met
describes furniture, especially chairs, sofas, and mattresses, that contains metal coils inside the cushions or base to provide comfort and support by absorbing weight and returning to shape.
The spring mattress in the guest room was far more comfortable than the old foam pad.
collocation: spring mattress
Haruto decided to buy a new spring sofa because the old foam one had become too flat.
collocation: spring sofa
A spring chair provides better back support for people who sit at a desk all day.
The hotel promised its guests luxury spring mattresses for a good night of sleep.
- sprung
describes the same concept but is more common in British English
- coil-spring
more specific; distinguishes from foam or air-based mattresses
- foam
describes furniture that uses foam padding instead of metal springs
文法句型
spring + noun (mattress, sofa, chair, bed)
用法筆記
Only used attributively — placed before the noun it modifies. Not used predicatively: you cannot say 'this mattress is spring'. Use 'this mattress has springs' or 'this is a sprung mattress' instead.