springy

Everyday

1. Springy means bouncy: it goes back to its shape after you press, squash or stretch it, like a spring. tree →
2. A springy walk or step is light, quick and full of energy. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about materials, springy (elastic) materials such as rubber, sponge and coiled metal come back to shape. In cooking, a cake is done when the top feels springy. In stories, a springy step shows someone is happy or excited.

Examples

• The grass felt soft and springy under our feet. tree →
• A trampoline is very springy. tree →
• The sponge is springy: squeeze it and it pops back. tree →
• Press the cake; if it is springy, it is ready. tree →
• She walked with a springy step on her birthday. tree →
• My curly hair is springy. tree →
• Moss on the hill was thick and springy. tree →
• A mile further on they came to a wide common, with short, springy turf, where horses of all colours, with skins of satin, were kicking up their heels in play. tree →

Note

Comparative springier, superlative springiest (y → i). Close to «bouncy» and «elastic»; the opposite is «stiff» or «squashy».