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(d)-liŋ 

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 

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

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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

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

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

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