spring
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for spring, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The season between winter and summer, when plants begin to grow again.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use spring
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English spring ("wellspring") and spryng ("a jump"), both from Proto-Germanic roots; the season sense developed later from the idea of new growth "springing" up.
Full origin of spring →Frequently asked questions
What does “spring” mean?
The word “spring” means the season between winter and summer, when plants begin to grow again. In plain terms, depending on context: the season after winter, a coiled metal part, a natural water source, or the act of jumping suddenly.
How do you pronounce “spring”?
“Spring” is pronounced SPRIHNG (/ˈspɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spring” in a sentence?
Here is “spring” used in a sentence: “The garden bursts into colour every spring.”
What part of speech is “spring”?
Depending on how it is used, “spring” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spring” come from?
The word “spring” comes from Old English. From Old English spring ("wellspring") and spryng ("a jump"), both from Proto-Germanic roots; the season sense developed later from the idea of new growth "springing" up.
Is “spring” a common word?
“Spring” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “spring” have?
“Spring” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the season between winter and summer, when plants begin to grow again.
What months are spring?
In the Northern Hemisphere, spring usually covers March, April, and May, while in the Southern Hemisphere it falls in September, October, and November. Astronomically it begins at the spring equinox, around 20 March, and ends at the summer solstice in June. Exact dates vary by definition and region.
Why is it called spring?
The season is named for the way plants "spring" up from the ground as they begin to grow again after winter. The word captures this sudden return of life and growth. Older names included "springtime" and "the spring of the year," all pointing to nature reawakening.
What is the difference between spring and summer?
Spring is the season of new growth between winter and summer, with milder temperatures, longer days, and plants beginning to bloom. Summer follows it as the warmest season, when growth is at its peak. Spring is the transition into warmth; summer is the height of it.
What happens in spring?
In spring, temperatures rise, days grow longer, and plants begin to grow and flower again after winter. Trees bud, blossoms appear, and many animals breed or emerge from hibernation. It is widely seen as a season of renewal, freshness, and new beginnings in nature.