spine

noun

1
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
b
: a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish
c
: a pointed prominence on a bone
spined adjective
spinelike adjective

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
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.
Many are exquisitely engineered with complex mechanisms that bring fluidity and motion to the spine of the jewel, including earrings and necklaces that move with the body. Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Fast Company said that lesions on his spine that left him ill and caused problems with walking. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 July 2025 Read All About It Ozzy Osbourne, with Parkinson’s disease and a spine held together with screws and plates, forced his battered body through one last concert with Black Sabbath, capping a 10-hour marathon featuring the biggest names in hard rock. Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 7 July 2025 Original price: $79.99 The Osteo Cervical Pillow provides support for the natural curve of the cervical spine, which alleviates pressure on nerves and muscles in the neck and shoulders and can help alleviate back pain. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spine

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, thorn, spinal column, from Latin spina; perhaps akin to Latin spica ear of grain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of spine was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

spine

noun
1
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

noun
1
2
: a pointed prominence or process (as on a bone)

More from Merriam-Webster on spine

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