spinal

1 of 2

adjective

spi·​nal ˈspī-nᵊl How to pronounce spinal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column
2
a
: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord
spinal reflexes
b
: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain
experiments on spinal animals
3
: of, relating to, or resembling a spine

spinal

2 of 2

noun

: a spinal anesthetic

Examples of spinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Awara’s Natural Luxury Hybrid mattress is firm and a good choice for back sleepers because of its spinal alignment. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025 Concussions, broken bones and spinal damage are common in the sport, and jetski drivers need to be on hand to rescue athletes from the water. Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Noun
This is ideal for sleepers who like more support and spinal alignment, like back sleepers. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025 It’s also not recommended for people who are pregnant (especially in the second and third trimesters), who’ve had recent spinal or abdominal surgery, or who have osteoporosis. Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spinal

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinal was in 1578

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

spinal

adjective
spi·​nal
ˈspīn-ᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or located near the backbone
2
: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord

Medical Definition

spinal

1 of 2 adjective
spi·​nal ˈspīn-ᵊl How to pronounce spinal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column
2
a
: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord
spinal reflexes
b
: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain
experiments on spinal animals
c
: used for spinal anesthesia
a spinal anesthetic
3
: made for or fitted to the spinal column
a spinal brace
spinally adverb

spinal

2 of 2 noun
: a spinal anesthetic

More from Merriam-Webster on spinal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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