1 B1 neutral
Of a place, organization, or trend, to appear or develop suddenly, especially in large numbers
"Coffee shops have been springing up all over the neighbourhood in the past year."
inseparable
spring up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To appear, develop, or grow quickly and suddenly, especially in large numbers
In plain English
To suddenly appear or grow up very quickly, often when many things appear at the same time
What does "spring up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
Of a wind, storm, or natural phenomenon, to begin suddenly
"A strong breeze sprang up just as they launched the yacht."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To rise quickly to one's feet
"She sprang up from her chair when she heard the alarm."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To spring (jump up) suddenly — like a plant or person jumping upward from the ground
Actually means
To suddenly appear or grow up very quickly, often when many things appear at the same time
Usage tip
Very natural and common in journalistic and descriptive writing. Often describes businesses, buildings, plants, or problems appearing rapidly and in quantity. The 'spring' element conveys both speed and energy. Almost always intransitive.
Words that pair with "spring up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
businesses cafes buildings problems questions weeds
How to conjugate "spring up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spring up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
springs up
he/she/it
Past simple
springed up
yesterday
Past participle
springed up
have + pp
-ing form
springing up
continuous
Hear "spring up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "spring up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "spring up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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