spine

noun

ˈspīn How to pronounce spine (audio)
Definition of spinenext
as in vertebra
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal he hurt his spine in the accident, but the doctor says he'll be walking again in no time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of spine The lawsuit says radiologist Natalya Nagornaya looked over a second MRI of the lumbar spine at UM Miller School of Medicine on June 4. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Herron said that her back, neck, leg and spine have all experienced pain following the accident. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 May Help Reduce Lower Back Pain The core muscles help protect the lumbar spine (lower back area) by keeping your trunk stable during movement. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 14 July 2026 The doctor ordered further lab tests, an MRI of the lumbar spine, and an outpatient EMG. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
  1. vertebra
  2. backbone
  3. back
Noun
  • The vertebra or backbone was found in 1985 by a British Antarctic Survey (BAS) expedition, but was initially assessed as belonging to a large reptile, according to a statement from London’s Natural History Museum on Monday.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • From there, reverse the movement by flexing one vertebra at a time, starting at the neck and moving down through the mid-back and low back.
    — Danielle Zickl, Health, 15 June 2026
Definition of vertebra
Noun
  • Darzalex, considered a backbone therapy, is J & J’s biggest single drug by sales.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Then there are the casual beachfront spots that give Las Terrenas its backbone.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • Mike Norvell needs a bounce-back season in the worst way after going 7-17 the past two seasons.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • But the China demand story is mostly one of extreme preparedness rather than the world’s second-largest economy turning its back on oil.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of back

Browse Nearby Words

spindrifts
spine
spine-chilling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on spine

Nglish: Translation of spine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stalwart

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All