steeple

noun

stee·​ple ˈstē-pəl 

: a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and surmounting a church tower

broadly : a whole church tower

steepled

ˈstē-pəld 

adjective

Illustration of steeple

Examples of steeple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nest boxes can be placed in a variety of structures, including barns, silos, granaries, grain elevators, and church steeples, or mounted on a free-standing pole. —Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024

The brass bell that once hung from the steeple of Central United Methodist Church now greets visitors near the entrance of Iglesia Aliento, where Granillo stores the communion chalice and plate in her office. —Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024

Hardin said he got started as a teenager maintaining communication towers and now specializes in restoring old steeples and domes. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

As bats fly by the building steeple, an unlit Christmas tree covered in cobwebs adorns the stage. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stepel, from Old English stēpel tower; akin to Old English stēap steep

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

steeple

noun

stee·​ple ˈstē-pəl 

1

: a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and built on top of a church tower

2

: a church tower

steepled

-pəld 

adjective