trampoline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1 (Intermediate)General; also used in specialized sporting/technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “trampoline” mean?
A strong fabric sheet or net stretched tightly over a circular or rectangular steel frame, secured by springs, used for bouncing and performing acrobatic exercises.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong fabric sheet or net stretched tightly over a circular or rectangular steel frame, secured by springs, used for bouncing and performing acrobatic exercises.
The concept or action of rebounding or bouncing, either physically or metaphorically; to move between two points or states with increased energy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or form. The verb usage is established in both varieties.
Connotations
Shared connotations of fun, recreation, childhood, gymnastics, and dynamic movement.
Frequency
Approximately equal frequency. The sport 'trampolining' is more common in UK terminology, while 'trampoline gymnastics' or just 'trampoline' is common in US sporting contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “trampoline” in a Sentence
trampoline (noun)to trampoline (intransitive verb)to trampoline something (transitive/causative verb, informal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trampoline” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The children love to trampoline in the garden for hours.
- She trampolined her way to a national championship.
American English
- Kids were trampolining at the new park downtown.
- The news just trampolined across social media.
adverb
British English
- She moved trampoline-high into the air (figurative).
American English
- The stock price jumped trampoline-fast (figurative).
adjective
British English
- The trampoline club meets on Tuesdays.
- They performed a complex trampoline routine.
American English
- We need new trampoline safety pads.
- He's a trampoline coach at the university.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in marketing for leisure/entertainment venues (e.g., 'investing in a trampoline park franchise').
Academic
Rare outside sports science, physics (kinematics, energy transfer), or materials science.
Everyday
Very common; refers to the garden/play equipment and the activity.
Technical
Used in sports coaching (gymnastics), safety engineering (EN 13219 standard), and materials design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trampoline”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trampoline”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trampoline”
- Misspelling: 'trampolin', 'trampolene'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'jump in the trampoline' instead of 'on'.
- Using as a mass noun: 'play on trampoline' instead of 'a/the trampoline'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily general/informal. In technical contexts (sports, engineering), it is used formally as a specific term for the equipment.
Yes, especially in informal and journalistic contexts. It means to bounce on a trampoline or, metaphorically, to rebound or move energetically between states.
A trampoline is for continuous, vertical bouncing on a flexible surface. A springboard is a flexible diving board for projecting oneself once, usually into water or onto a surface.
Yes, it's the standard gerund/noun for the activity, especially in British English (e.g., 'She enjoys trampolining').
A strong fabric sheet or net stretched tightly over a circular or rectangular steel frame, secured by springs, used for bouncing and performing acrobatic exercises.
Trampoline: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtræmpəˈliːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtræmpəliːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Trampoline effect" (economics/tech: a rapid rebound after a sharp decline)”
- “"Ideas were trampolining in her head" (metaphorical: lively, rapid succession of thoughts).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRAMP-OLINE – a tramp (informal: a long walk) is full of steps; an *ol-ine* is for bouncing, not walking!
Conceptual Metaphor
TRAMPOLINE IS A REBOUND MECHANISM (for ideas, economies, careers).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'trampoline' used metaphorically?