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

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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 Nearly two months after suffering a fractured spine and skull, 19-year-old Brandon Mendez is trying to focus on recovering rather than wasting his energy on hating the Perris man accused of intentionally crashing into people in Culver City. — Laurie Perez, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 That evening, back at camp beside a fire, Billy answers Kris’ question with the monologue that is the film’s spine. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 Those may include pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs) or other areas, the ACS stated. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 In Hrubec’s mice, however, fetuses with deformities of the brain and spine were dying early in the pregnancy and disappearing. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
  1. vertebra
  2. backbone
  3. back
Noun
  • Another crash the following season resulted in a fractured vertebra that cost him three more starts.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • She was then hospitalized for 18 days and diagnosed with a burst fracture of her first lumbar vertebra, according to the reports.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of vertebra
Noun
  • While federal policy typically focuses on new construction or subsidized housing, NOAH owners are the backbone of our affordable housing ecosystem, accounting for 75% of affordable homes nationwide.
    — Maggie Cassidy, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Like building a giant erector set, Meir and Menon worked to assemble and bolt together the triangular brackets on the 3B power channel, located on the far right, or starboard (S6) segment of the station's backbone truss.
    — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • The situation at left-back or left wing-back is not much better.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The band will play in six cities during its fall tour, culminating in back-to-back concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of back

Browse Nearby Words

spindrifts
spine
spine-chilling
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Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spine

Nglish: Translation of spine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spine

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