steeple

noun

stee·​ple ˈstē-pəl 

: a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and surmounting a church tower

broadly : a whole church tower

steepled

ˈstē-pəld 

adjective

Illustration of steeple

Examples of steeple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The church's iconic steeple was familiar to many in the neighborhood, rising above the surrounding buildings with a slight tilt. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Scream and drop a lantern if your steeple reveals itself to be haunted. — Evan Allgood, New Yorker, 1 July 2026

After a massive fire engulfed a historic Brooklyn church, collapsing its steeple, the church is hoping to raise $2 million to rebuild and keep its congregation going in the meantime. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026

Dramatic video shows the moment the steeple collapsed. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 19 June 2026

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

Rhymes for steeple

• businesspeople
• craftspeople
• laypeople
• salespeople
• townspeople
• tradespeople
• workpeople
• people

Kids Definition

steeple

noun

stee·​ple ˈstē-pəl 

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

-pəld 

adjective