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 thing that prompts or encourages someone; an incentive, a projection from a mountain or hillside, a short, upward-angled branch on a tree

on the spur of the moment, win one's spurs, under the spur of

Formal and Informal Expressions of spur

In different contexts, you can replace 'spur' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'incentive, stimulus' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'push, nudge' is a commonplace synonym.

spur: Explore its Definition & Usage

spur Definition

1a device with a small spike or a spiked wheel that is worn on a rider's heel and used for urging a horse forward
2a thing that prompts or encourages someone; an incentive
3a projection from a mountain or hillside
4a short, upward-angled branch on a tree

Using spur: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "spur" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He urged his horse on with a sharp spur.
Example
The promise of a bonus acted as a spur to their productivity.
Example
The spurs on the mountain were visible from miles away.
Example
The apple tree had several spurs growing from its branches.

spur Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for spur

Antonyms for spur

Phrases with spur

on the spur of the moment
done impulsively or without planning
Example
I decided to take a trip to the beach on the spur of the moment.
win one's spurs
to prove oneself worthy of recognition or honor
Example
She won her spurs as a journalist by reporting from war zones around the world.
under the spur of
prompted or motivated by something
Example
Under the spur of hunger, he ate the entire pizza by himself.

Origins of spur

from Old English 'spura', meaning 'spike'

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Summary: spur in Brief

The term 'spur' [spɜːr] refers to a device worn on a rider's heel to urge a horse forward, or anything that prompts or encourages someone. It can also refer to a projection from a mountain or hillside or a short, upward-angled branch on a tree. Examples include 'He urged his horse on with a sharp spur' and 'The promise of a bonus acted as a spur to their productivity.' Phrases include 'on the spur of the moment,' meaning impulsively, and 'win one's spurs,' meaning to prove oneself worthy of recognition.