steeple

[stee-puhl]

noun

1. an ornamental construction, usually ending in a spire, erected on a roof or tower of a church, public building, etc.

2. a tower terminating in such a construction.

3. (loosely) a spire.

verb (used with object)

steepled, steepling 

1. to provide with or form into a steeple or steeplelike configuration.

steeple

/ ˈstiːpəl /

noun

1. a tall ornamental tower that forms the superstructure of a church, temple, etc

2. such a tower with the spire above it

3. any spire or pointed structure

Other Word Forms

• steepled adjective
• steepleless adjective
• steeplelike adjective
• unsteepled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of steeple¹

before 1000; Middle English stepel steeple, tower, Old English stēpel tower. See steep ¹, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of steeple¹

Old English stēpel; see _steep ¹

Example Sentences

The earthquake brought down the church steeple and part of the roof.

From BBC

There's also a pattern that even though these are Christmas cards, forget the snowy steeples and robins, because royal cards rarely seem to have any signs of winter.

From BBC

Once underestimated by her enemies, Martin, a self-appointed watchdog tuned into the plots and players in a small, gossipy community, has found that her message is radiating beyond the fields and steeples of Hood County.

From Los Angeles Times

Peregrine falcons in the city tend to nest at high points such as bridges and church steeples because they provide a good spot for the birds to spot prey.

From Seattle Times

This is the moment a church roof and steeple collapsed in New London, Connecticut.

From BBC

Related Words

• cupola 
• minaret 
• spire 
• turret