steeple

noun

stee·​ple ˈstē-pəl How to pronounce steeple (audio)
: a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and surmounting a church tower
broadly : a whole church tower
steepled adjective

Illustration of steeple

Illustration of steeple

Examples of steeple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The white steeple of the First Congregational Church reflects the dawn light. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025 From the terrace, the storied domes and steeples of Florence unfold at eye level. Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 But the story of this steeple is more complicated than that. Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025 The steeple of Old North Church, where hung the lights that warned the minutemen, was built with the proceeds of enslaved labor. Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steeple

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stepel, from Old English stēpel tower; akin to Old English stēap steep

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steeple was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steeple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steeple. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

steeple

noun
stee·​ple ˈstē-pəl How to pronounce steeple (audio)
1
: a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and built on top of a church tower
2
: a church tower
steepled adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on steeple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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