Spur
/spɜːr/
Definitions
4 meaningsA device with a small spike or a spiked wheel that is attached to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse forward.
/spɜːr/
A pointed device worn on a rider's heel for urging a horse on.
The cowboy's spurs jingled as he walked.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a horse, and you want it to go faster. You might use a little pointy thing on your boot, called a spur, to gently tap the horse's side. It's like saying, "Come on, let's go!"
👶 For kids: A little pointy thing that helps a horse go faster.
More Examples
She tightened her spurs before the race.
The horse responded quickly to the rider's spurs.
How It's Used
"The rider used his spurs to encourage the horse to jump the fence."
"Knights often wore ornate spurs."
To give an incentive or encouragement to (someone or something); to incite or stimulate.
/spɜːr/
To encourage or stimulate (someone or something) to do something.
The promise of a reward spurred them to work harder.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a friend who's feeling a bit lazy. If you say something encouraging to get them to do their homework, you're spurring them on! It's like giving them a little boost of energy.
👶 For kids: To help someone do something.
More Examples
His ambition spurred him to achieve his goals.
The bad weather spurred us to stay indoors.
How It's Used
"The company's profits spurred innovation."
"The debate spurred public interest in the election."
Something that acts as an incentive or stimulus.
/spɜːr/
A thing that acts as a stimulus or incentive.
The need to reduce costs was a spur to efficiency.
💡 Simply: Something that makes something else happen, like a little push to help something grow or move faster. A good grade could be a spur to study harder.
👶 For kids: Something that makes you want to do something.
More Examples
His desire for recognition was a powerful spur to his artistic development.
The economic downturn acted as a spur for innovation.
How It's Used
"Competition was a spur to innovation."
"Higher salaries were a spur to employees to improve productivity."
A projecting part, such as a projection from a surface, a short branch, or a ridge extending from a mountain.
/spɜːr/
A projection from a surface, especially on a plant or a mountain.
The botanist examined the flower's spur.
💡 Simply: Imagine a little pointy bit sticking out. It's a bit like a small branch on a plant or a bump out from a big mountain.
👶 For kids: A little pointy thing that sticks out.
More Examples
The hiker walked along the mountain spur.
The architect designed a building with a structural spur.
How It's Used
"The flower has a long spur at the back where the nectar is located."
"The hikers followed the trail along the mountain spur."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
on the spur of the moment
Suddenly, without planning.
"We decided to go to the beach on the spur of the moment."
From Middle English *spore*, from Old English *spora*, from Proto-Germanic *spurô* (compare German Sporn, Dutch spoor).
The word 'spur' has been used since Old English times, initially referring to the equestrian device.
Memory tip
Think of a tiny spike that gives the horse a kick.
Word Origin
"a spur, spur, spur"