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
Filling the shelf with books with yellow spines updates this space without spending a fortune.
—
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025
Despite her young age, even a gentle whisper of Lana’s name on the scene is enough to send shivers of excitement down the spines of New Yorkers from the clubs of Brooklyn to Manhattan.
—EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
That pushes our cervical column out of alignment and creates excess stress on the bones and discs of the cervical spine.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Your one-year plan is the spine of your 90-day campaigns, your 30-day sprints and your micro-pivots.
—Lewis Schiff, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spine 
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.
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025
Despite her young age, even a gentle whisper of Lana’s name on the scene is enough to send shivers of excitement down the spines of New Yorkers from the clubs of Brooklyn to Manhattan.
—EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
That pushes our cervical column out of alignment and creates excess stress on the bones and discs of the cervical spine.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Your one-year plan is the spine of your 90-day campaigns, your 30-day sprints and your micro-pivots.
—Lewis Schiff, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spine
Articles Related to spine
Dictionary Entries Near spine
Cite this Entry
“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 18 Jan. 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share