1
a
: winding around a center or pole and gradually receding from or approaching it
the spiral curve of a watch spring
b
: helical
c
: spiral-bound
a spiral notebook
2
: of or relating to the advancement to higher levels through a series of cyclical movements
1
a
: the path of a point in a plane moving around a central point while continuously receding from or approaching it
b
: a three-dimensional curve (such as a helix) with one or more turns about an axis
2
: a single turn or coil in a spiral object
3
: something having a spiral form as:
a
b(1)
: a spiral flight
(2)
: a kick or pass in which a football rotates on its long axis while moving through the air
4
: a continuously spreading and accelerating increase or decrease
wage spirals
spiraled or spiralled; spiraling or spiralling
: to go and especially to rise or fall in a spiral course
costs spiraled upward
Synonyms
Examples of spiral in a Sentence
Adjective
a spiral staircase takes visitors up into the Statue of Liberty
Noun
The glider flew in a wide spiral over the field.
The quarterback threw a tight spiral to the receiver.
Verb
Smoke spiraled up from the chimney.
The airplane spiraled to the ground and crashed.
The unemployment rate has been spiraling upward.
The stock market is spiraling downward.
Let's deal with this crisis before it spirals out of control.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024
In the background of the image are distant spiral and oval-shaped galaxies.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 July 2024
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024
This underground marvel spirals downwards, with walls lined with some of the world’s rarest wines, creating an enchanting display of history and luxury.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024
Shira Gill, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Things soon spiraled out of control as other audience members began following suit and rushed the stage.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spiral 
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Adjective
Its spiral, canal, and chamber structures help process sound, hold fluids, and help regulate your sense of balance.
—Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024
In the background of the image are distant spiral and oval-shaped galaxies.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 July 2024
Noun
As auroras form, Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals and flickers that have fascinated humans for millennia.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024
This underground marvel spirals downwards, with walls lined with some of the world’s rarest wines, creating an enchanting display of history and luxury.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024
Verb
But inevitably, when the enthusiasm fades, anxiety spirals further, or real life gets in the way, our plans fall apart.
—Shira Gill, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Things soon spiraled out of control as other audience members began following suit and rushed the stage.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spiral
Dictionary Entries Near spiral
Cite this Entry
“Spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiral. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spiral
2 of 3 noun1
a
: a curve in a plane that winds around a point while getting closer to or farther away from it
b
: a curve (as a helix) in space that winds around an axis
2
: a single turn or coil in a spiral object
3
: something having a spiral form
spiral
3 of 3 verb
spiraled or spiralled; spiraling or spiralling
: to move in a spiral path
Medical Definition
spiral
2 of 2 noun1
: the path of a point in a plane moving around a central point while continuously receding from or approaching it
2
: a three-dimensional curve (as a helix) with one or more turns about an axis
the double spiral of DNA
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