1
a
b
: something resembling a spinal column or constituting a central axis or chief support
c
: the part of a book to which the pages are attached and on the cover of which usually appear the title and author's and publisher's names
2
: a stiff pointed plant process
especially
: one that is a modified leaf or leaf part compare prickle sense 1, thorn sense 1a
3
: a sharp rigid process on an animal: such as
a
: spicule
b
: a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish
c
: a pointed prominence on a bone
Examples of spine in a Sentence
This X-ray shows her spine.
Hedgehogs are covered with spines.
They lack the spine to do what needs to be done.
Recent Examples on the Web
Workshop attendees will learn about free Arkansas resources, digital health clinics, a free 24/7 brain and spine call center, brain injury support groups and more.
—
Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Bagnoli molded these unheralded players into the formidable spine of a team and – thanks to the club’s forward-thinking board and an injection of money through a sponsorship deal with Canon – Verona was able to add a sprinkling of European talent to the Italian core.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
His wife, Moira, was battling breast cancer, while their son, Mac, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare bone cancer that affects the spine.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Keep the color of the spines in mind to make sure the shelves have a cohesive look and one bright colored book spine doesn't cause a distraction.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
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Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Bagnoli molded these unheralded players into the formidable spine of a team and – thanks to the club’s forward-thinking board and an injection of money through a sponsorship deal with Canon – Verona was able to add a sprinkling of European talent to the Italian core.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
His wife, Moira, was battling breast cancer, while their son, Mac, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare bone cancer that affects the spine.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Keep the color of the spines in mind to make sure the shelves have a cohesive look and one bright colored book spine doesn't cause a distraction.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Cite this Entry
“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spine
noun1
a
b
: something resembling a backbone
c
: the part of a book to which the pages are attached
2
: a stiff pointed usually sharp projecting part of a plant or animal
protective spines cover the body of a porcupine fish
cactus spines are formed from leaves
Etymology
Middle English spine "thorn, spinal column," from Latin spina (same meaning) — related to porcupine
Medical Definition
spine
noun1
2
: a pointed prominence or process (as on a bone)
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