spike
noun
a naillike fastener, 3 to 12 inches (7.6 to 30.5 centimeters) long and proportionately thicker than a common nail, for fastening together heavy timbers or railroad track.
has spiked
-
present perfectof spike (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
The number of women who died after an ectopic pregnancy has spiked in recent years, a ProPublica analysis found.
From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2026
Indeed, Emanuel has looked at how various sectors perform after oil has spiked to more than 40% above its 24-MMA and then pulled back.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026
During market maelstroms, pusillanimous pundits note that the Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, has spiked higher as if it’s a harbinger of the apocalypse.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2025
It’s the humidity, which has spiked to over 80%, that has them feeling ready to keel over between sets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2025
“He has spiked the gun, I am certain,” observed Captain M—.
From The King's Own by Frederick Marryat
