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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Yarn or fiber is spun using the winding technique, as it is converted onto a spindle or bobbin. Brenda Yenke, cleveland, 5 Jan. 2023 Each sonic faux pas triggers a region in the front of the brain called the insula cortex, which, functioning in self-awareness and empathy, immediately fires up spindle neurons — cells that play a key role in socialization. Christian Thorsberg, Discover Magazine, 14 Aug. 2021 Before the wheel, however, a simple spindle was used for twisting the fibers into place. Brenda Yenke, cleveland, 5 Jan. 2023 This number indicates the distance between the spindle and the central column of the press, multiplied by two. Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 28 June 2022 The second approach, called maternal spindle transfer, occurs before fertilization. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Sep. 2016 Pyrocystis fusiformis is a spindle-shaped cell just large enough to be seen without a microscope. Discover Magazine, 23 Mar. 2012 The width of each spindle is proportional to the frequency of that style, normalized to each year. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 6 May 2015 Keep in mind, however, that testers noted a special attachment–a spindle– is needed to actually use all the attachments. Tanya Edwards, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spindle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 30 Mar. 2023.

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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