noun / verb

bound

a leap or springing movement

The dog bounds across the lawn to greet its returning owner.

Etymology

French bondir means to leap or rebound. The English word retains that springing movement, naming a jump or describing motion in a succession of energetic leaps.

More examples

  • She cleared the stream in one bound.
  • The deer bounded into the woods.
  • He came bounding down the stairs.

Forms

bound · bounds · bounded · bounding

Similar words

leap
Leap can describe a single jump; bound often suggests energetic forward springs.