spiral
noun
a plane curve generated by a point moving around a fixed point while constantly receding from or approaching it.
had spiralled
-
past perfectof spiral.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But to her estranged husband, it was a wake-up call to "just how far things had spiralled out of control".
From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2025
One parent, who did not want to be named, said he worried complaints had spiralled out of hand.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2023
Andy and Becky Bloomfield, from Bromyard, Herefordshire, said costs had spiralled from about £250 for a tank in December to £600 at the end of March.
From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2022
After the budget had spiralled out of control on 2001: A Space Odyssey, he wanted to show the industry he could make a small-budget film.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 2, 2019
At six of the clock they had spiralled once.
From Nonsense Novels by Stephen Leacock
