spindle

1 of 2

noun

spin·​dle ˈspin-dᵊl 

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

b

: muscle spindle

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-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈspin(d)-liŋ

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-dᵊl-ər 

ˈspin(d)-lər

noun

Examples of spindle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These are also great for cleaning between small spaces if your bed has spindles or small crevices. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025

Previous studies have found these spindles support learning, memory, intelligence and healthy aging in humans and also rats. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

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

For robots and things of that nature, servo motors for robots, but also spindle and stepper motors for various applications. —Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 21 June 2022

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

Phrases Containing spindle

• muscle spindle
• spindle cell
• spindle-legged
• spindle-shanked
• spindle tree

Rhymes for spindle

• brindle
• dwindle
• grindal
• grindle
• kindle
• swindle
• windle
• rekindle

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

b

: muscle spindle

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 

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

b

: muscle spindle

2

: sleep spindle