spine

noun

ˈspīn How to pronounce spine (audio)
Definition of spinenext
as in vertebra
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal he hurt his spine in the accident, but the doctor says he'll be walking again in no time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spine According to Benjamin’s arrest report, the dog’s ribs and spine were visibly prominent through its skin, which appeared loose. — Anna McAllister, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 Sometimes a box of foreign translations will arrive with the spine of every last book slit open. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 Mike recalled that the effects of the disease were noticeable around the time of his 2011 wedding to Zara, and said his father’s physical decline had included curvature of the spine and subsequent medical problems. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026 That’s the catchall term for the shape your spine gradually assumes when your every waking moment revolves around random screening links and unanswered emails. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
  1. vertebra
  2. backbone
  3. back
Noun
  • Another piece sliced through his salivary gland before bouncing off his jaw and piercing the back of his neck, severing an artery and embedding in a vertebra.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Tuck your hips under, tilting your pelvis back, and slowly lift your hips toward the ceiling one vertebra at a time.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of vertebra
Noun
  • The house and its grounds form the backbone of filming locations, though certain spaces on the property were either too cramped or did not provide the right lighting for film production.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The agency had to completely overhaul its outdated technological backbone, Patel told Fox News Digital.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • While most of the system’s weight rests on its clear base, it is held upright by an adjustable stand that connects near the top of the system’s back panel and extends outward to form an A-frame ladder.
    — Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Ground and pound While the Tigers’ rushing attack struggled, the Hurricanes turned to the running backs to ice the game.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of back

Browse Nearby Words

spindrifts
spine
spine-chilling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spine

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