noun
spool
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.”
noun
1
A cylinder that thread, wire, film, or cable is wound around.
"She threaded a fresh spool of cotton onto the sewing machine."
"The fishing rod's spool was nearly out of line."
verb
1
To send a document or job to a printer or other device, where it waits in a queue to be processed.
"The document was spooling to the printer but never came out."
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.
Common pairings
spool of thread
print spooling
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Word forms
- Plural
- spools
- Third person singular
- spools
- Past tense
- spooled
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Dutch spoele, related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to split" — likely referring to the split wood spools were originally made from.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Dutch spoele, related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to split" — likely referring to the split wood spools were originally made from.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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