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
There are two words that tend to send a shiver down my spine: Google and AI.
—
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Bryant saw noted orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles on Monday.
—Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
According to Arm & Hammer, cats can jump up to six times their body length in one leap, thanks to their powerful hind leg muscles and flexible spines.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Greg’s rifle roared, and the seven-pointer went down with a broken spine.
—Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Bryant saw noted orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles on Monday.
—Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
According to Arm & Hammer, cats can jump up to six times their body length in one leap, thanks to their powerful hind leg muscles and flexible spines.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Greg’s rifle roared, and the seven-pointer went down with a broken spine.
—Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 2025.
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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