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
Finding a tick embedded in your dog’s skin can send a shiver down your spine.
—
Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
While the statement sounds benign, Russia’s recent military alliances and their support to the war in Ukraine, send chills down the spine.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
When testing the mattress on our stomachs, our spines maintained alignment and our hips stayed lifted.
—Macy Alcido, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
The teenage Comanche, Okla., resident was naked, the base of his skull had been split in two, his spine was fractured and an 8-inch head wound peeled back part of his scalp to the bone, his autopsy stated.
—Emily Palmer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spine 
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Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
While the statement sounds benign, Russia’s recent military alliances and their support to the war in Ukraine, send chills down the spine.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
When testing the mattress on our stomachs, our spines maintained alignment and our hips stayed lifted.
—Macy Alcido, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
The teenage Comanche, Okla., resident was naked, the base of his skull had been split in two, his spine was fractured and an 8-inch head wound peeled back part of his scalp to the bone, his autopsy stated.
—Emily Palmer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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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