The model features the building’s iconic windows, rooftop spire, columns, arches and even surrounding trees.—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2024 The project envisions a residential area in the attic level of the tower, which is just below the landmark spire and cupola atop the building.—George Avalos, Orange County Register, 23 May 2024 When the last embers were extinguished, most of Notre Dame’s wood and metal roof was destroyed, and its majestic spire had vanished, consumed by flames.—Todd Braje, The Conversation, 16 May 2024 Last year, beneath Churchill Downs’s twin spires, seven horses died during the week of the showpiece event — two of them in races in the hours leading up to the Derby.—Joe Drape, New York Times, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for spire
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Old English spīr; akin to Middle Dutch spier blade of grass
Noun (2)
Latin spira coil, from Greek speira; perhaps akin to Greek sparton rope, esparto
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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