WordValespire
a tall tapering structure on top of a tower
In more detail
1. (noun) a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, especially a church
2. (noun) anything that tapers to a sharp point
Examples
- 1. The church spire was visible from across the town.
- 2. The mountain rose in a spire above the clouds.
How to use spire
Spire typically refers to a tapering, pointed architectural structure, most commonly the tall pointed top of a church or cathedral. It emphasizes the distinctive sharp point rising heavenward. While steeple is a near synonym, steeple often includes the entire structure (cross, bell chamber, and spire), whereas spire refers more specifically to the pointed tip itself.
Common phrases
- church spire
- spire of a cathedral
- needle-like spire
- tall spire
- ornamental spire
Synonyms
steeple · tower · minaret · pinnacle · point
Word family
spired (adjective) · spireless (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'spire' and 'steeple' interchangeably without recognizing that a steeple is the broader structure of which a spire is typically the uppermost component.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD