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1. Dictionary

   spur

   /spəː/

   noun

   • 1. a device with a small spike or a spiked wheel that is worn on a rider's heel and used for urging a horse forward.
   • ▪ a horny spike on the back of the leg of a cock or male game bird, used in fighting.
   • ▪ a steel point fastened to the leg of a gamecock.
   • 2. a thing that prompts or encourages someone; an incentive: "wars act as a spur to practical invention" Similar stimulusincentiveencouragementstimulantstimulationinducementimpetusprodpromptincitementgoadfillipmotivemotivationinformal:kick up the backsideshot in the armOpposite disincentivediscouragement
   • 3. a projection from a mountain or mountain range: "it's an easy walk up the spur that leads to the summit"
   • ▪ a short branch road or railway line.
   • ▪ a slender tubular projection from the base of a flower, e.g. a honeysuckle or orchid, typically containing nectar.
   • ▪ a short fruit-bearing side shoot.
   • ▪ a short pointed growth or process on a part of the body.
   • 4. a small, single-pointed support for ceramic ware in a kiln.

   verb

   • 1. urge (a horse) forward by digging one's spurs into its sides: "she spurred her horse towards the hedge"
   • 2. give an incentive or encouragement to (someone): "her sons' passion for computer games spurred her on to set up a software business"
   • ▪ promote the development of; stimulate: "governments cut interest rates to spur demand"
   • 3. prune in (a side shoot of a plant) so as to form a spur close to the stem: "spur back the lateral shoots"

   Word Origin Old Englishspora, spura, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch spoor and German Sporn, also to spurn.

   Derivatives

   • 1. spurless adjective

   Scrabble Points: 6

   • S

     1

   • P

     3

   • U

     1

   • R

     1

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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishSPUR | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   SPUR definition: 1. to encourage an activity or development or make it happen faster: 2. to push spurs into the…. Learn more.

3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › spurSpur Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › spur

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   : something projecting like or suggesting a spur: such as. a. : a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine. b (1) : a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect) especially : one on a cock's leg. (2) : a gaff for a gamecock. c. : a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine) d.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionarySPUR | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   SPUR meaning: 1. to encourage an activity or development or make it happen faster: 2. to push spurs into the…. Learn more.

5. www.dictionary.com › browse › spurSPUR Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › spur

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   Spur definition: a U-shaped device that slips over and straps to the heel of a riding boot and has a blunt or pointed metal part projecting from the back. See examples of SPUR used in a sentence.

6. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishSPUR definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   1. a pointed device or sharp spiked wheel fixed to the heel of a rider's boot to enable him or her to urge the horse on. 2. anything serving to urge or encourage.

7. www.thefreedictionary.com › spurSpur - definition of spur by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › spur

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   n. 1. A short spike or spiked wheel that attaches to the heel of a rider's boot and is used to urge a horse forward. 2. An incentive: a spur to action. 3. A spurlike attachment or projection, as: a. A spinelike process on the leg of some birds. b. A climbing iron; a crampon. c. A gaff attached to the leg of a gamecock. d.

8. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishSPUR | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   SPUR definition: 1. to encourage someone to do something or something to happen: 2. a sharp, pointed piece of metal…. Learn more.

9. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionspur noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

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   [usually singular] a fact or an event that makes you want to do something better or more quickly synonym motivation. spur (to something) His speech was a powerful spur to action. A few encouraging words might provide just the spur she needs. spur for something The research provided a spur for reform. Oxford Collocations Dictionary.

10. www.wordreference.com › definition › spurspur - WordReference.com Dictionary of English

    www.wordreference.com › definition › spur

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    n. a U -shaped device that slips over and straps to the heel of a boot and has a blunt, pointed, or roweled projection at the back for use by a mounted rider to urge a horse forward. anything that goads, impels, or urges, as to action, speed, or achievement. See climbing iron.

11. www.yourdictionary.com › spurSpur Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary

    www.yourdictionary.com › spur

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    Spur definition: A short spike or spiked wheel that attaches to the heel of a rider's boot and is used to urge a horse forward. Dictionary Thesaurus