spool
Spool (noun) means a cylinder that thread, wire, film, or cable is wound around. Example: “She threaded a fresh spool of cotton onto the sewing machine.”
How to use spool
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA reel that thread or cable winds around, or (in computing) to queue a job like a print request.
Word forms
spooled past tense, spools plural, spools plural, spools singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She threaded a fresh _____ of cotton onto the sewing machine.
Etymology
From Middle Dutch spoele, related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to split" — likely referring to the split wood spools were originally made from.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for spool
See all rhymes for spool →Frequently asked questions
What does “spool” mean?
The word “spool” means a cylinder that thread, wire, film, or cable is wound around. In plain terms, a reel that thread or cable winds around, or (in computing) to queue a job like a print request.
How do you pronounce “spool”?
“Spool” is pronounced spool (/spuːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “spool” in a sentence?
Here is “spool” used in a sentence: “She threaded a fresh spool of cotton onto the sewing machine.”
What part of speech is “spool”?
Depending on how it is used, “spool” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spool” come from?
The word “spool” comes from Proto-Germanic. From Middle Dutch spoele, related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to split" — likely referring to the split wood spools were originally made from.
How many meanings does “spool” have?
“Spool” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cylinder that thread, wire, film, or cable is wound around.
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