spile
1 of 2noun
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 2verb
spiled; spiling
transitive verb
1
: to plug with a spile
2
: to supply with a spile
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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
spile
verb
as in to cork
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- cork
- bung
- stopper
- stopple
- dam
- clog
- choke
- occlude
- fill
- block
- congest
- clot
- jam
- fur
- obstruct
- silt
- flood
- gridlock
- stuff
- swamp
- stop (up)
- glut
- pack
- plug (up)
- gum (up)
- inundate
- overwhelm
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- open (up)
- clear
- free
- unstop
- unplug
- hollow (out)
- unclog
- scoop (out)
- empty
- unblock
- excavate
- lighten