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Definition of "spindle" [spin•dle]

  • A rod or pin, tapered at one end and usually weighted at the other, on which fibers are spun by hand into thread and then wound. (noun)
  • A similar rod or pin used for spinning on a spinning wheel. (noun)
  • A pin or rod holding a bobbin or spool on which thread is wound on an automated spinning machine. (noun)
  • Any of various mechanical parts that revolve or serve as axes for larger revolving parts, as in a lock, axle, phonograph turntable, or lathe. (noun)
  • Any of various long thin stationary rods, as: (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "spindle" in a sentence
  • "And now I have to figure out when the spindle is full, and how to ply it ...."
  • "And yes, the spindle is supposed to point down like that."
  • "I saw the name spindle tree when looking up the exact spelling."