spur
11 synonyms and 5 antonyms for spur, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A spiked device worn on a rider's boot heel to urge a horse forward.
Synonyms
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A spiked device worn on a rider's boot heel to urge a horse forward.
“The cowboy pressed his spurs gently into the horse's sides.”
How to use spur
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
spur someone on
on the spur of the moment
spurred to action
Etymology
From Old English spora, spura, going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to kick."
Full origin of spur →Frequently asked questions
What does “spur” mean?
The word “spur” means a spiked device worn on a rider's boot heel to urge a horse forward. In plain terms, a spiked heel device for riding horses, or more broadly, anything that pushes someone into action.
How do you pronounce “spur”?
“Spur” is pronounced spur (/spɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spur” in a sentence?
Here is “spur” used in a sentence: “The cowboy pressed his spurs gently into the horse's sides.”
What part of speech is “spur”?
Depending on how it is used, “spur” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spur” come from?
The word “spur” comes from Old English. From Old English spora, spura, going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to kick.".
Is “spur” a common word?
“Spur” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “spur” have?
“Spur” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spiked device worn on a rider's boot heel to urge a horse forward.
What is the difference between a spur and motivation in general?
A spur specifically refers to something that drives or motivates someone into action, often suggesting a sudden or specific trigger, such as a spur to further effort, rather than a general or ongoing sense of motivation. The word draws on the image of a literal spur used to urge a horse forward.
How is spur used to describe geographic features?
As a noun, spur can describe a ridge or side branch jutting out from something larger, such as a mountain range or a road, distinct from its meanings related to motivation or riding equipment. This geographic sense is common in descriptions of terrain and infrastructure.
