spile

1 of 2

noun

ˈspī(-ə)l 

1

: pile entry 1 sense 1

2

: a small plug used to stop the vent of a cask : bung

3

: a spout inserted in a tree to draw off sap

spile

2 of 2

verb

spiled; spiling

transitive verb

1

: to plug with a spile

2

: to supply with a spile

Examples of spile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There’s Bill, who, after Randy drills the hole into the tree, lightly hammers in the plastic spile, or spout. —Heather E. Goodman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Feb. 2021

Sample delicious syrup on pancakes and take home a set of tapping supplies, including a spile, bag, and holder. —Bob Dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from Dutch spijl stake

First Known Use

Noun

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spile

noun

ˈspī(ə)l

: a spout inserted in a tree to draw off sap