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Definition of mainspring

mainspring

/ˈmeɪn.sprɪŋ/
Plural:mainsprings
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mainspring Lexical Profile

mainspring Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The primary motivating force, principal cause, or chief driving power behind a movement, action, or organization.

Example

"A deep desire for economic equality served as the mainspring of the nineteenth-century labor reform movement."

2

The principal spring in a mechanical device, especially the one that drives the mechanism of a clock or watch.

Example

"The horologist carefully replaced the broken mainspring to restore the antique pocket watch to working order."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

mainmast
mains
mainsail
mainspring
mainstage
mainstay
mainstream

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-16th century, originally referring to the principal driving spring in a timepiece, formed by combining 'main' (chief, principal) and 'spring' (elastic coil).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mainspring. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mainspring
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