Spire Meaning in English

word

US

ˈspaɪɹ

SPYER

UK

spˈaɪə

SPY-uh

Definition

A spire is a tall, pointed, cone-shaped structure on the top of a building, especially a church or temple.

Usage & Nuances

Almost always refers to architecture, especially churches. The phrase 'church spire' is common. Do not confuse with 'spire' meaning 'spiral'—that's incorrect in modern English. Used mainly in formal or descriptive contexts.

• Spanish: aguja (arquitectura) - pináculo
• Portuguese (BR): agulha (arquitetura) - pináculo
• Portuguese (PT): agulha (arquitetura) - pináculo
• Chinese (Simplified): 尖顶 - 针塔
• Chinese (Traditional): 尖頂 - 針塔
• Hindi: शिखर
• Arabic: برج مدبب - قمة المدببة
• Bengali: চূড়া - মিনার (স্থাপত্য)
• Russian: шпиль
• Japanese: 尖塔
• Vietnamese: tháp nhọn - chóp nhọn
• Korean: 첨탑
• Turkish: kule - sivri kule (mimari)
• Urdu: مینار
• Indonesian: menara (arsitektur) - puncak menara

Example Sentences

The church had a tall spire.

basic

You can see the spire from far away.

basic

The old cathedral lost its spire in the storm.

basic

The city's skyline is famous for the spires of its historic buildings.

natural

Lightning struck the spire during a storm last night.

natural

I love the way the sun sets behind the spire each evening.

natural