1
a
: a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist the yarn in hand spinning
b
: the long slender pin by which the thread is twisted in a spinning wheel
c
: any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine (such as a spinning frame)
d
: the pin in a loom shuttle
e
: a device usually consisting of a long upright pin in a base on which papers can be stuck for filing
called also spindle file
2
: something shaped like a spindle: such as
a
: a spindle-shaped network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis
b
3
a
: the bar or shaft usually of square section that carries the knobs and actuates the latch or bolt of a lock
b(1)
: a turned often decorative piece (as in a baluster)
(2)
: newel
c(1)
: a revolving piece especially when thinner than a shaft
(2)
: a horizontal or vertical axle revolving on pin or pivot ends
d
: the part of an axle on which a vehicle wheel turns
spindled; spindling
ˈspin-dᵊl-iŋ 
ˈspin(d)-liŋ
1
: to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk
2
: to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit
1
: to impale, thrust, or perforate on the spike of a spindle file
2
: to make or equip (something, such as a piece of furniture) with spindles
Examples of spindle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
These striking moments are supported by a Nordic Knots jute rug and more of Robbins’s designs, like a Ranger sofa, with its spindle back, woven leather seat, and blue canvas cushions.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
Sanah Faroke, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for spindle 
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Noun
These are also great for cleaning between small spaces if your bed has spindles or small crevices.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
These striking moments are supported by a Nordic Knots jute rug and more of Robbins’s designs, like a Ranger sofa, with its spindle back, woven leather seat, and blue canvas cushions.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
The Safavieh Parker Dining Chairs are the perfect mix of farmhouse and transitional style with their durable oak wood frame and spindle flat-back design.
—Sanah Faroke, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for spindle
Dictionary Entries Near spindle
Cite this Entry
“Spindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spindle. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
spindle
noun
spin·dle
ˈspin-dᵊl
1
: something shaped like a round stick or pin with tapered ends: as
a
: a network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis
b
2
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