spike

/spaɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: spikes · spiking · spiked

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A sort of very large nail.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A piece of pointed metal etc. set with points upward or outward.

Noun

Examples

The trap was lined with spikes.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To fasten with spikes, or long, large nails.

Verb

Examples

to spike down planks

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To set or furnish with spikes.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “spike” mean?

A sort of very large nail.

Is “spike” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.