spur

//spɜːr//
B2Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of spur

Noun

spurSingular
spursPlural
1

A pointed device worn on a rider's heel, used to urge a horse forward.

The cowboy attached spurs to his boots before riding the horse.

2

Something that prompts or encourages action; an incentive or stimulus.

The promise of a bonus was a spur for the team to work harder.

3

A ridge or projection extending from a mountain or hill.

We hiked along the rocky spur that extended from the main mountain.

Verb

spurInfinitive
spurPresent tense
spurredPast tense
spurredPast participle
spurringPresent participle
spursThird-person singular
1

To urge a horse forward by using spurs.

The rider spurred his horse to gallop faster.

2

To encourage, motivate, or prompt someone to take action.

The coach's words spurred the team to try harder.

spur - Deep Vocabulary