springs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “springs” mean?
A natural source of water emerging from the ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A natural source of water emerging from the ground; the plural form of 'spring' referring to such water sources.
A source or origin of something; the season (plural form can be used in contexts referring to multiple spring seasons); elastic devices that return to shape after compression; upward leaps or jumps.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in typical collocations. US English more likely to use 'springs' for automotive/mattress contexts; UK English may retain 'springs' in place names ('Hot Springs'). The seasonal reference shows no significant variation.
Connotations
Both varieties share primary connotations of natural water sources. In technical contexts, 'springs' may more strongly suggest mechanical components in US English.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in US English in technical/automotive contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “springs” in a Sentence
emerge from the springsvisit the springssoak in the springsreplace the springsthe springs provide waterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “springs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He springs into action when needed.
- Where does the Thames spring from?
American English
- She springs a surprise on us every time.
- New businesses spring up downtown.
adjective
British English
- Spring onions are essential for the salad.
- We need a spring clean.
American English
- The spring semester starts in January.
- We opened the windows on a spring day.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In hospitality/tourism: 'The resort is famous for its natural hot springs.'
Academic
In geology/hydrology: 'Artesian springs are fed by confined aquifers.'
Everyday
General: 'The old sofa needs new springs.'
Technical
In engineering: 'The suspension system uses progressive-rate springs.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “springs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “springs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “springs”
- Using 'springs' as an uncountable noun for the season (incorrect: 'I love springs season').
- Confusing 'springs' (water sources) with 'Springs' (part of place names).
- Using incorrect verb agreement: 'The springs is hot' (correct: 'The springs are hot').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely in modern usage. Typically 'spring' is uncountable when referring to the season ('I love spring'). The plural 'springs' might appear in literary or poetic contexts referring to multiple years/seasons ('the springs of my youth'), but it's uncommon in everyday language.
A spring is a natural point where water flows from an aquifer to the surface. A well is a human-made hole dug or drilled to access groundwater. Both provide water, but their origin (natural vs. artificial) differs.
When referring to water sources or mechanical devices, 'springs' is strictly countable and plural. When referring to the season, the base form 'spring' is generally treated as uncountable. The plural 'springs' for the season is very rare and stylistically marked.
Historically, settlements often developed around reliable water sources. Towns named 'Something Springs' (e.g., Palm Springs, Colorado Springs) typically originated near clusters of natural springs, which were vital for life, agriculture, and later for health/leisure resorts.
A natural source of water emerging from the ground.
Springs is usually neutral in register.
Springs: in British English it is pronounced /sprɪŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /sprɪŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to hope springs eternal”
- “to be full of the joys of spring (plural not typical in idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPRings = Source of Pure water Rising from the ground, or SProinging back like a metal coil.
Conceptual Metaphor
A source of life/vitality ('the springs of creativity'); a hidden origin ('the springs of action').
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'springs' NOT refer to a water source?