First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1spindle
noun spin·dle \ˈspin-dəl\
: a thin rod or stick with pointed ends that is used in making yarn
: the long, thin pin on a spinning wheel that is used to make thread
: something shaped like a long, thin rod; especially : a long, thin part of a machine which turns around something or around which something turns
Full Definition of SPINDLE
1
a : a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist the yarn in hand spinning b : the long slender pin by which the thread is twisted in a spinning wheel c : any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine (as a spinning frame) d : the pin in a loom shuttle e : a device usually consisting of a long upright pin in a base on which papers can be stuck for filing —called also spindle file
2
: something shaped like a spindle: as a : a spindle-shaped network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis b : muscle spindle
3
a : the bar or shaft usually of square section that carries the knobs and actuates the latch or bolt of a lock b (1) : a turned often decorative piece (as in a baluster) (2) : newel c (1) : a revolving piece especially when thinner than a shaft (2) : a horizontal or vertical axle revolving on pin or pivot ends d : the part of an axle on which a vehicle wheel turns
See spindle defined for English-language learners
See spindle defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPINDLE
Middle English spindel, from Old English spinel; akin to Old English spinnan to spin
2spindle
verb
spin·dledspin·dling \ˈspin(d)-liŋ, ˈspin-dəl-iŋ\
Definition of SPINDLE
intransitive verb
1
: to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk
2
: to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit
transitive verb
1
: to impale, thrust, or perforate on the spike of a spindle file
2
: to make or equip (as a piece of furniture) with spindles
— spin·dler \ˈspin(d)-lər, ˈspin-dəl-ər\ noun
First Known Use of SPINDLE
1577
SPINDLE Defined for Kids
spindle
noun spin·dle \ˈspin-dəl\
Definition of SPINDLE for Kids
1
: a slender round rod or stick with narrowed ends by which thread is twisted in spinning and on which it is wound
2
: something (as an axle or shaft) which has a slender round shape and on which something turns
Medical Dictionary
spindle
noun spin·dle \ˈspin-dəl\
Medical Definition of SPINDLE
1
: something shaped like a round stick or pin with tapered ends: as a : a network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis b : muscle spindle
Learn More About SPINDLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: spindleagePrevious Word in the Dictionary: spin controlAll Words Near: spindle
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spindle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).