English Meaning & Definitions
A thin, sharp-pointed piece or projection of metal, wood, or other material.
- “The fence was topped with iron spikes to deter intruders.”
- “Sprinters wear shoes with metal spikes on the soles for better traction.”
A sharp, sudden increase in the number, value, or intensity of something.
- “Economists are worried about the sudden spike in inflation.”
- “There was a noticeable spike in website traffic after the product launch.”
To add a strong alcoholic drink or a drug to food or a beverage clandestinely.
- “Someone must have spiked her punch at the party.”
- “He suspected that his drink had been spiked.”
In volleyball, to hit the ball forcefully downwards into the opponent's court.
- “She leaped high into the air and spiked the ball past the blockers.”
- “The team scored the winning point with a powerful spike.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “spike”.
Originates from late Middle English (denoting a long, heavy nail), probably of Scandinavian origin, related to Old Norse spík (splinter, wood chip) and Low German spiker (nail), and ultimately from the same Indo-European root as 'spire' and 'spear'.
Picture a sharp, tall hiking boot with metal spikes gripping the ice to help you climb up a steep slope.
Frequently Asked Questions About “spike”
1. What is the meaning of “spike” in English?
In English, spike (noun) is defined as: “A thin, sharp-pointed piece or projection of metal, wood, or other material.”.
2. How do you use “spike” in a sentence?
“The fence was topped with iron spikes to deter intruders.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “spike”?
Originates from late Middle English (denoting a long, heavy nail), probably of Scandinavian origin, related to Old Norse spík (splinter, wood chip) and Low German spiker (nail), and ultimately from the same Indo-European root as 'spire' and 'spear'.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
View all English words →The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.