What does mainspring mean?
A mainspring is the chief source of energy, motivation, or action that keeps a person, organisation, or undertaking moving. The expression is especially associated with a fundamental influence that sustains continuing effort: ambition may be the mainspring of a career, or curiosity the mainspring of research. It also has a precise mechanical meaning: the principal spring in a clock, watch, or similar device, which stores energy and provides the main driving force. The figurative sense develops from this mechanical function, comparing an abstract cause to the component that stores and releases power. In literary and rhetorical contexts, the word can suggest a powerful, almost irresistible force. In everyday discussion, it is often used metaphorically for the motivation behind sustained behaviour. The term is more expressive than a neutral description such as “reason” and can imply that the influence is fundamental to the activity rather than merely one consideration among several.
nounThe principal spring in a clock or other mechanism, storing energy that drives its operation. Figuratively, a mainspring is the chief source of energy, motivation, or action.
- The chief source of energy, motivation, or action that drives a person, organisation, or course of events.
- The principal spring in a clock, watch, or other mechanism that stores power and supplies the main driving force.
"Her lifelong commitment to public service was the mainspring of the movement."
"The discovery of oil was the mainspring of the country's economic transformation."
"The watchmaker carefully wound the mainspring before placing it in the case."
Used when referring to multiple principal springs, causes, or driving forces.
"The reforms unlocked several previously dormant mainsprings of economic growth."
A mainspring stores enough energy to keep a clock ticking—even after its hands have been set.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mainspring
Mainspring is an English compound formed from main and spring. In clockmaking and related mechanical traditions, main distinguished the principal or most important spring from smaller subsidiary springs, while spring referred to the elastic mechanism that stores and releases energy. The word's figurative use extends this idea to the fundamental source that powers an action or development. Its second element belongs to the familiar English family represented by spring, springy, respring, and springing.
Related word forms
How mainspring is actually used
The figurative sense is common in both formal and informal writing. It usually denotes a fundamental or sustaining cause, rather than a temporary trigger, and can sometimes imply that the cause is powerful enough to dictate events.