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noun

spindle

SPIHN-duhl

Spindle (noun) means a slender rod used for spinning fiber into thread, or more generally, any rod or axis that something turns on. Example: “She twirled wool onto the spindle by hand.”

noun
1
A slender rod used for spinning fiber into thread, or more generally, any rod or axis that something turns on.
"She twirled wool onto the spindle by hand."
"The mechanic replaced the worn spindle in the machine."

How to use spindle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rod used for spinning thread, or any axle-like rod that turns.

Common pairings
a spinning wheel and spindle CD spindle

Word forms

spindled past tense, spindles plural, Spindles plural, spindles singular

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She twirled wool onto the _____ by hand.

Etymology

From Old English spinel, related to spin — literally "a thing for spinning."

Origin: Old English

spike arbor mandrel mandril

Related words

Rhymes for spindle

See all rhymes for spindle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “spindle” mean?

The word “spindle” means a slender rod used for spinning fiber into thread, or more generally, any rod or axis that something turns on. In plain terms, a rod used for spinning thread, or any axle-like rod that turns.

How do you pronounce “spindle”?

“Spindle” is pronounced SPIHN-duhl (/ˈspɪndəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “spindle” in a sentence?

Here is “spindle” used in a sentence: “She twirled wool onto the spindle by hand.”

What part of speech is “spindle”?

“Spindle” is a noun.

Where does the word “spindle” come from?

The word “spindle” comes from Old English. From Old English spinel, related to spin — literally "a thing for spinning.".

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial