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spine

noun

ˈspīn How to pronounce spine (audio)
Definition of spinenext
as in vertebra
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal he hurt his spine in the accident, but the doctor says he'll be walking again in no time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spine As appointed by production designer Valeria De Felice, the workspace is a literary dreamscape, lined with Persian rugs and bookcases displaying a rainbow of magazine spines. — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 Trainers and doctors brought out the cart and put a motionless Reed on a long spine board to protect the player from suffering further damage. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026 My conversations and research left me much less shocked at that statistic that had sent chills down my spine a few weeks prior. — Luba Kassova, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 Spare yourself —and your spine—and opt for a roller bag instead. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
  1. vertebra
  2. backbone
  3. back
Noun
  • Another crash the following season resulted in a fractured vertebra that cost him three more starts.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • She was then hospitalized for 18 days and diagnosed with a burst fracture of her first lumbar vertebra, according to the reports.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of vertebra
Noun
  • Simple knits are the backbone of a fall wardrobe, and the Zesica V-neck Sweater has the understated look that Rag & Bone does so well.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In summary, Linde represents a rare and highly attractive opportunity to invest in the hardware backbone of AI at a standard defensive valuation.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • Speaking of dominating running backs, Kenneth Walker III, who came over from the Seahawks after winning Super Bowl MVP, looked like the best offseason addition.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • On game days Araujo gets to the ballpark about 2½ hours before first pitch, pausing in the parking lot to pull on an Angels cap and jersey with his name on the back.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of back

Browse Nearby Words

spindrifts
spine
spine-chilling
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Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spine

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