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

This bed adds serious Southern charm with its spindle accents. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026

For a contemporary take that can span everything from a modern farmhouse to a quaint cottage, these seven spindle bed frames bring elegance to your bedroom with a historical touch. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2026

Verb

The pitching staff has been folded, spindled and mutilated but keeps on trucking. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

Their ballots spindled and nullified. —Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

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