spindle

1 of 2

noun

spin·​dle ˈspin-dᵊl How to pronounce spindle (audio)
1
a
: a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist the yarn in hand spinning
b
: the long slender pin by which the thread is twisted in a spinning wheel
c
: any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine (such as a spinning frame)
d
: the pin in a loom shuttle
e
: a device usually consisting of a long upright pin in a base on which papers can be stuck for filing

called also spindle file

2
: something shaped like a spindle: such as
a
: a spindle-shaped network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis
3
a
: the bar or shaft usually of square section that carries the knobs and actuates the latch or bolt of a lock
b(1)
: a turned often decorative piece (as in a baluster)
(2)
: newel
c(1)
: a revolving piece especially when thinner than a shaft
(2)
: a horizontal or vertical axle revolving on pin or pivot ends
d
: the part of an axle on which a vehicle wheel turns

spindle

2 of 2

verb

spindled; spindling ˈspin(d)-liŋ How to pronounce spindle (audio)
ˈspin-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

1
: to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk
2
: to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit

transitive verb

1
: to impale, thrust, or perforate on the spike of a spindle file
2
: to make or equip (something, such as a piece of furniture) with spindles
spindler
ˈspin(d)-lər How to pronounce spindle (audio)
ˈspin-dᵊl-ər
noun

Examples of spindle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Moreover, cueing during this phase prolonged the wave and increased the power of associated spindles. Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024 Changing to another blade is easy, thanks to a spindle lock on the unit. Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2023 What exactly a sleep spindle does is not completely known yet, though this wave pattern is thought to be associated with memory. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 6 July 2023 The stimulation, given for a single night, greatly enhanced the size and duration of the slow waves and the spindles. Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024 Every finish on the interior was hand-selected by a designer and features custom bronze handrails, spindles and fixtures throughout the estate. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024 The dry pantry has been moved and is encased next to the Kings Bottle stainless steel, three-door outdoor refrigerator, replacing the former white spindle railing on the front porch of the blue house on Parkway Avenue. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2024 Even the most current machine learning algorithms for sleep spindle detection are based on human observation, says Michael Prerau, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Lucy Tu, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2023 The thick, woody stalks from wildflowers like goldenrod can work as effective spindles. Bradley Duncan, Discover Magazine, 25 Dec. 2023
Verb
The Safavieh Parker Dining Chairs are the perfect mix of farmhouse and transitional style with their durable oak wood frame and spindle flat-back design. Sanah Faroke, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spindle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spindel, from Old English spinel; akin to Old English spinnan to spin

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1577, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spindle was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near spindle

Cite this Entry

“Spindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spindle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spindle

noun
spin·​dle
ˈspin-dᵊl
1
a
: a slender round rod or stick with tapered ends by which thread or yarn is twisted in spinning by hand and on which it is wound
b
: a device consisting of a long spike fixed so that papers can be stuck on it for filing
2
: something shaped like a spindle: as
a
: a network of fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during cell division
3
: something (as an axle or shaft) shaped or turned like a spindle or on which something turns

Medical Definition

spindle

noun
spin·​dle ˈspin-dᵊl How to pronounce spindle (audio)
1
: something shaped like a round stick or pin with tapered ends: as
a
: a network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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