# sprang

/ˈspɹæŋ/ (US) · /spɹˈæŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sprang
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the past tense of 'spring'. It means to move suddenly and quickly upward or forward, like a jumping cat.

For teachers: the past tense of 'spring'; describes a sudden, forceful motion or a rapid transition from a state of rest to one of activity.

## Examples

- The cat sprang onto the table to reach the food.
- As soon as the alarm sounded, the soldiers sprang into action and headed for the perimeter.
- The trap sprang shut the moment the weight was applied, capturing the specimen without causing any visible harm to its delicate wings.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The cat sprung onto the table." but "The cat sprang onto the table." — Learners often confuse the past tense 'sprang' with the past participle 'sprung'.

## Usage notes

- The past tense of the irregular verb 'spring'. It is intransitive when describing a jump, but can be transitive when describing a sudden release of a mechanism.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.