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
Planks The plank is a core exercise that builds strength without moving your spine.
—
Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Dec. 2025
Start at the casual ground-floor saloon, then head to the second floor for a stunning cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a perfect view of the Arcade's spine.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2025
While there are medications that can slow its progression, there is no cure, and those with ALS slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently because the disease specifically affects nerve cells, or motor neurons, in the spine and brain.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
Everyone wants kitchen cabinets that don't send a chill up the spine when a guest opens one in search of a spoon, and drawers where finding the right measuring cup is easy.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
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Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Dec. 2025
Start at the casual ground-floor saloon, then head to the second floor for a stunning cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a perfect view of the Arcade's spine.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2025
While there are medications that can slow its progression, there is no cure, and those with ALS slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently because the disease specifically affects nerve cells, or motor neurons, in the spine and brain.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
Everyone wants kitchen cabinets that don't send a chill up the spine when a guest opens one in search of a spoon, and drawers where finding the right measuring cup is easy.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Cite this Entry
“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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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