spool

1 of 2

noun

ˈspül 

1

: a cylindrical device which has a rim or ridge at each end and an axial hole for a pin or spindle and on which material (such as thread, wire, or tape) is wound

2

: material or the amount of material wound on a spool

spool

2 of 2

verb

spooled; spooling; spools

transitive verb

1

: to wind on a spool

2

: wind entry 3

spool the thread off the bobbin

3

: to regulate the transmission of by means of a spooler

spool data

intransitive verb

1

: to wind itself on a spool

2

: to be wound or unwound

3

: to regulate data flow by means of a spooler

Examples of spool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The open-frame MK4, a single-extruder model, measures 15 by 19.7 by 22 inches (HWD), excluding the spool and spool holder, which sit atop the print bed. —PCMAG, 30 Apr. 2024

It’s designed to look like a giant spool of thread, which is cute on its own, but remove the lid to stash bobbins, pins, and cushions. —Lizzy Briskin, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024

Verb

The delay news means that all actors are released from their contracts and are able to continue taking new work rather than sitting and waiting around for Euphoria to finally spool up, a show they are paid far less for than their other, high-profile movies that the big stars have been in recently. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

From a small machine, next to him, orders spooled like ribbons. —Souvankham Thammavongsa, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spole, from Middle Dutch spoele; akin to Old High German spuola spool

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

spool

noun

ˈspül

1

: a cylinder which has a rim at each end and on which something (as thread, wire, or tape) is wound

2

: material wound on a spool