noun
Common
spike
spyk
Spike (noun) means a large, pointed piece of metal, or anything shaped like one. Example: “He hammered a spike into the ground to hold the tent.”
noun
1
A large, pointed piece of metal, or anything shaped like one.
"He hammered a spike into the ground to hold the tent."
"Runners wear shoes with small spikes to grip the track."
"The fence was topped with metal spikes to deter climbers."
2
A sudden, sharp increase, especially on a graph or in a price.
"The chart showed a sudden spike in visitors just after lunchtime."
"There was a spike in demand for masks during the outbreak."
"Electricity prices saw a spike after the cold snap."
verb
1
To add alcohol or a drug to a drink, usually without the other person knowing.
"Be careful: a friend of mine says somebody spiked his drink."
"It is a serious offence to spike a drink."
"Someone spiked the punch at the party."
2
To rise sharply and suddenly.
"Sales spiked in December as shoppers rushed to buy gifts."
"Her temperature spiked overnight, so we called the doctor."
"Traffic on the site spiked after the story went viral."
How to use spike
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sharp point, or a sudden jump in something like a graph, price, or drink content.
Common mistake
Never assume a drink is safe from being spiked — watch it being poured, especially at parties or bars.
Common pairings
a spike in cases
spike a drink
metal spikes
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Word forms
- Plural
- spikes
- Third person singular
- spikes
- Past tense
- spiked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He hammered a _____ into the ground to hold the tent.
Etymology
From Old Norse spík, "spike" or "sprig," part of a wider Germanic family of words for pointed sticks and nails.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for spike
See all rhymes for spike →Frequently asked questions
What does “spike” mean?
The word “spike” means a large, pointed piece of metal, or anything shaped like one. In plain terms, a sharp point, or a sudden jump in something like a graph, price, or drink content.
How do you pronounce “spike”?
“Spike” is pronounced spyk (/spaɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “spike” in a sentence?
Here is “spike” used in a sentence: “The fence was topped with metal spikes to deter climbers.”
What part of speech is “spike”?
Depending on how it is used, “spike” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spike” come from?
The word “spike” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse spík, "spike" or "sprig," part of a wider Germanic family of words for pointed sticks and nails.
Is “spike” a common word?
“Spike” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “spike” have?
“Spike” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, pointed piece of metal, or anything shaped like one.
What is the difference between a spike and a surge?
Both describe a sharp increase, but a 'spike' is sudden and usually brief, rising and then falling quickly. A 'surge' suggests a strong rise that is often more sustained, building up and staying elevated for longer.
What is the difference between a spike and a peak?
A peak is the highest point reached, emphasizing the top of a curve. A spike is a sudden sharp rise that often falls just as quickly, emphasizing the abrupt movement; a spike creates a peak, but the words stress different things.
What is the difference between spike and jump when describing an increase?
Both mean to rise suddenly, but 'spike' implies a sharper, more dramatic rise that is often temporary. 'Jump' is a more general sudden increase and does not necessarily suggest a quick fall afterward.
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