spile

1 of 2

noun

1
2
: a small plug used to stop the vent of a cask : bung
3
: a spout inserted in a tree to draw off sap

spile

2 of 2

verb

spiled; spiling

transitive verb

1
: to plug with a spile
2
: to supply with a spile

Examples of spile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There’s Bill, who, after Randy drills the hole into the tree, lightly hammers in the plastic spile, or spout. Heather E. Goodman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Feb. 2021 Sample delicious syrup on pancakes and take home a set of tapping supplies, including a spile, bag, and holder. Bob Dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spile.' 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

probably from Dutch spijl stake

First Known Use

Noun

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spile was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near spile

Cite this Entry

“Spile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spile. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spile

noun
ˈspī(ə)l
: a spout inserted in a tree to draw off sap

More from Merriam-Webster on spile

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