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 Spinal rotations When sitting for over an hour, our spine can become impacted as pressure builds on the discs in our lumbar spine. — Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 To keep your dog safe, only tug from side to side as lifting the rope toy can damage your dog’s spine. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Reddington pointed out that Clancy's suicide attempt injured her spine and throat. — Nbc News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 Which should really send a shiver of age paralysis down every Millennial reader’s spine. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
  1. vertebra
  2. backbone
  3. back
Noun
  • Another crash the following season resulted in a fractured vertebra that cost him three more starts.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • She was then hospitalized for 18 days and diagnosed with a burst fracture of her first lumbar vertebra, according to the reports.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of vertebra
Noun
  • The tablet combines bictegravir, the backbone of Gilead’s blockbuster HIV pill Biktarvy, with lenacapavir, a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that has become a centerpiece of the company’s long-term strategy for HIV treatment and prevention.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Combine drought with fire and the backbone of the Everglades — its marshy peat soil — also becomes more vulnerable.
    — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • Department store Macy’s highlights sporty prep, statement sneakers, denim, and activewear as key trends for the 2026 back-to-school period, chiming with analyst predictions.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Dodgers were already used to winning by that point, having won the NL West in back-to-back years before Friedman arrived.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spine

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