Spire - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A spire is a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, often seen on churches or towers. It adds height and elegance to the architecture.
Definition:
A tall, pointed structure on top of a building, especially a church tower.
Synonyms:
Steeple, pinnacle, peak, apex
Part of Speech:
Noun
Antonyms:
Base, foundation
Common Collocations:
Church spire, towering spire, slender spire
Derivatives:
Spired, spiring
Usage Tips:
Use "spire" to describe the pointed top of a building, often seen in Gothic architecture.
Common Phrases:
Reach for the spire, towering spire, spire of hope
Etymology:
From Old English "spīr," meaning a sprout or shoot; later influenced by Old Norse "spīra."
Examples:
- 1. The church spire gleamed in the sunlight.
- 2. We admired the cathedral's tall spire from afar.
- 3. The castle's ancient spire was damaged in the storm.
- 4. Birds nested atop the slender spire of the tower.