What does spurt mean?
A spurt is a sudden, brief burst of energy, activity, emotion, or development. It often describes a noticeable increase in effort or momentum, as in “a spurt of productivity” or “a spurt of growth,” and can imply that the increase is short-lived even if it is forceful or impressive. The word can also describe a sharp jet of liquid or gas, and the verb “to spurt” means to move suddenly or discharge material in this way. Spurt is useful because it captures both the suddenness and concentrated intensity of an event. Unlike a gradual “increase,” a spurt begins abruptly; unlike a long “surge,” it may soon subside. The expression is common in general English, though figurative uses are more frequent than literal ones. It appears in contexts ranging from education and business to sports, technology, and personal effort.
A sudden, brief burst of energy, activity, emotion, or development; also, less commonly, a sharp jet of liquid or gas.
"He felt a spurt of confidence after hearing the encouraging results."
The figurative sense is dominant today and often conveys noticeable but temporary force or momentum.
To act or move with a sudden burst of energy, or to discharge liquid, gas, or another substance in a sharp jet.
"The runner spurted into the lead during the final lap."
The verb is less frequent than the noun. It is especially natural with rapid movement and the literal emission of liquid or gas.
As a countable noun, spurt has the regular plural spurs, used for separate brief bursts.
"The project experienced several spurts of progress before its completion."
A spurt can mean a sudden surge of energy or the sharp jet of liquid that delivers it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spurt come from?
Spurt comes through Middle English from an older English verb associated with spitting, spraying, or emitting liquid suddenly. Its literal sense developed from the idea of a sharp jet, while its figurative use extended the notion of that sudden force to bursts of activity, emotion, and growth. Related Germanic forms preserve comparable ideas of spurting, spraying, or spouting.
Related word forms
How spurt is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in both speech and formal writing. Its figurative sense usually suggests something brief but forceful or noticeably rapid; the literal sense is less frequent. In standard non-rhotic British English, the usual pronunciation is /spɜːt/, while the rhotic pronunciation /spɜːrt/ is standard in American English and common in rhotic British accents.
Easily confused with spurt
A spurt is a forceful, often sustained burst, whereas to sputter is to speak or make a sound in short, irregular bursts, often with difficulty.
A spurt is a sudden discharge or burst of activity, while a spout is a pipe or opening through which liquid or another material flows.