splice

1 of 2

verb

ˈsplīs 

spliced; splicing

transitive verb

1

a

: to unite (two ropes or two parts of a rope) by interweaving the strands

b

: to unite (two lengths of magnetic tape, photographic film, etc.) by overlapping and securing together two ends

2

: to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing

3

: to combine or insert (something) by genetic engineering

spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium

splicer noun

splice

2 of 2

noun

1

: a joining or joint made by splicing something

2

: marriage, wedding

Illustration of splice

• splice 1

Examples of splice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026

The most effective way to splice speaker cables is by using a dedicated, in-line speaker wire splice. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Noun

The most effective way to splice speaker cables is by using a dedicated, in-line speaker wire splice. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Prescott has previously said the president’s reputation was not damaged by the splice. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

obsolete Dutch splissen; akin to Middle Dutch splitten to split

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing splice

• comma splice

Rhymes for splice

• dice
• feis
• gneiss
• grice
• ice
• lice
• mice
• slice
• spice
• thrice
• trice
• twice

Kids Definition

splice

1 of 2 verb

ˈsplīs 

spliced; splicing

1

: to unite (as two ropes) by weaving the strands together

2

: to unite (as pieces of film) by connecting the ends together

3

: to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing

splicer noun

splice

2 of 2 noun

: a joining or joint made by splicing

Medical Definition

splice

transitive verb

ˈsplīs 

spliced; splicing

: to join together or insert (as segments of RNA or DNA) to form new genetic combinations

spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium

see gene-splicing