springtime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to formal, slightly literary; common in descriptive, poetic, and journalistic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “springtime” mean?
The season of spring.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The season of spring; the period of the year between winter and summer when plants begin to grow and the weather becomes warmer.
A period of growth, renewal, freshness, or early development. Can metaphorically refer to a youthful, energetic, or flourishing phase in life, history, or an endeavor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency. No significant dialectal variation.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of rebirth, optimism, and natural beauty. Slightly more frequent in literary/descriptive contexts than in casual conversation.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. The one-word compound 'springtime' is standard; the two-word form 'spring time' is rare and non-standard.
Grammar
How to Use “springtime” in a Sentence
[in] + springtime[during] + springtime[by] + springtimespringtime + [of] + [noun phrase] (e.g., springtime of life)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible in metaphors: 'the springtime of our company's growth'.
Academic
Used in literature, history, environmental studies, and biology to describe the season or metaphorical periods.
Everyday
Common in general description and conversation about the weather, seasons, gardening, and plans.
Technical
Used in meteorology, phenology, and agriculture to denote a specific seasonal period.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “springtime”
- Using 'spring time' as two separate words (incorrect compound).
- Confusing 'springtime' (noun) with 'spring' (noun/verb).
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, closed compound word: 'springtime'. 'Spring time' is not standard.
They are largely synonymous for the season. 'Springtime' can sound slightly more descriptive, evocative, or formal. 'Spring' is more common in everyday speech and has additional meanings (e.g., a coil, to jump).
Not in standard usage. Use the attributive noun 'spring' (e.g., spring flowers, spring weather). 'Springtime' is a noun.
Use it with 'of' to denote an early, flourishing, or youthful period: 'the springtime of democracy', 'the springtime of her genius'. It implies freshness, growth, and promise.
The season of spring.
Springtime is usually neutral to formal, slightly literary; common in descriptive, poetic, and journalistic contexts. in register.
Springtime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsprɪŋtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsprɪŋˌtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “springtime of life (youth)”
- “springtime in one's step (energy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPRING (coil) uncoiling with new energy and a TIME of year. The season when plants 'spring up' from the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CYCLE (seasonal); LIFE IS A YEAR (springtime = youth/beginning); HAPPINESS IS WARMTH/BRIGHTNESS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a standard metaphorical use of 'springtime'?