spinney

noun

spin·​ney ˈspi-nē How to pronounce spinney (audio)
plural spinneys
chiefly British
: a small wood with undergrowth

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French espinei thorny thicket, ultimately from Latin spinetum, from spina thorn

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinney was in 1597

Rhymes for spinney

See All Rhymes for spinney

Browse Nearby Words

spinnery
spinney
spinning
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spinney.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinney. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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