plural spirals
1
: a circular curving line that goes around a central point while getting closer to or farther away from it
The glider flew in a wide spiral over the field.
2
: a situation in which something continuously increases, decreases, or gets worse
—usually singular
an inflationary spiral [=a continuous increase in prices]
a spiral of problems
Gas prices continued their dizzying upward spiral. [=gas prices got higher]
His drug use drove him into a downward spiral. [=his condition became worse and worse]
3
American football
: a kick or throw in which the ball spins while moving through the air
The quarterback threw a tight spiral to the receiver.
spirals; US spiraled or British spiralled; US spiraling or British spiralling
1
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to move in a circle around a central point while getting closer to or farther away from it : to move in a spiral
Smoke spiraled up from the chimney.
Vultures spiraled [=circled] overhead.
The airplane spiraled to the ground and crashed.
2
: to greatly increase, decrease, or get worse in a continuous and usually fast and uncontrolled way
The unemployment rate has been spiraling upward.
The stock market is spiraling downward.
spiraling [=rapidly increasing] costs
Let's deal with this crisis before it spirals out of control.
always used before a noun
: winding or circling around a central point and usually getting closer to or farther away from it : shaped or moving like a spiral
a spiral seashell
a spiral driveway
Cite this Entry
“Spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spiral. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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