spool

1 of 2

noun

ˈspül 

1

: a cylindrical device which has a rim or ridge at each end and an axial hole for a pin or spindle and on which material (such as thread, wire, or tape) is wound

2

: material or the amount of material wound on a spool

spool

2 of 2

verb

spooled; spooling; spools

transitive verb

1

: to wind on a spool

2

: wind entry 3

spool the thread off the bobbin

3

: to regulate the transmission of by means of a spooler

spool data

intransitive verb

1

: to wind itself on a spool

2

: to be wound or unwound

3

: to regulate data flow by means of a spooler

Examples of spool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For example, if your home favors farmhouse design, fill the sections with antique thimbles, spools, or clothespins, small farm animal figurines (like a goose, rooster, or cow), or a collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2026

Specialty and professional-grade filaments typically cost $30-plus per spool. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

Verb

Chad, who owns the rig, mentioned that every gear feels like a launch because the turbo stays spooled the entire time. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Sep. 2026

Rods with substantial backbone and reels spooled with strong line and even stronger leaders are essential. — Ken Perrotte, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spole, from Middle Dutch spoele; akin to Old High German spuola spool

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for spool

• boule
• brule
• buhl
• cool
• drool
• fool
• ghoul
• mule
• pool
• poul
• rule
• school

Kids Definition

spool

noun

ˈspül

1

: a cylinder which has a rim at each end and on which something (as thread, wire, or tape) is wound

2

: material wound on a spool