1
: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column
2
a
: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord
spinal reflexes
b
: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain
experiments on spinal animals
3
: of, relating to, or resembling a spine
: a spinal anesthetic
Examples of spinal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kate Hogan, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Another good idea before kicking off an exercise routine: For activities that involve spinal twisting and bending, talk with your physical therapist to get tips on proper form.
—Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Can Blackburn stay healthy after his scary spinal injury?
—Will Sammon, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spinal
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
At 7 months old, Erlanger was diagnosed with a spinal tumor; the surgery required to remove it left him as a quadriplegic.
—Kate Hogan, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Another good idea before kicking off an exercise routine: For activities that involve spinal twisting and bending, talk with your physical therapist to get tips on proper form.
—Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
The rock star’s health issues stem from a 2007 spinal injury that left him with severe nerve damage and limited mobility, complicating his ability to play the instrument.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Can Blackburn stay healthy after his scary spinal injury?
—Will Sammon, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spinal
Cite this Entry
“Spinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinal. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
spinal
1 of 2 adjective
spi·nal
ˈspīn-ᵊl 
1
: of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column
2
a
: of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord
spinal reflexes
b
: having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain
experiments on spinal animals
c
: used for spinal anesthesia
a spinal anesthetic
3
: made for or fitted to the spinal column
a spinal brace
spinal
2 of 2 noun
: a spinal anesthetic
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share