Dictionary

steeple

noun stee·ple \ˈstē-pəl\

: a tall, pointed tower on a church

Full Definition of STEEPLE

: a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and surmounting a church tower; broadly : a whole church tower

— stee·pled \-pəld\ adjective

See steeple defined for English-language learners

See steeple defined for kids

Middle English stepel, from Old English stēpel tower; akin to Old English stēap steep

First Known Use: before 12th century

STEEPLE Defined for Kids

noun stee·ple \ˈstē-pəl\

: a tall pointed structure usually built on top of a church tower

: a church tower

Next Word in the Dictionary: steeplebushPrevious Word in the Dictionary: steepinessAll Words Near: steeple

What made you want to look up steeple? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears