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.
spiking
-
present participleof spike.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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 with temperatures spiking, the crisis over smoke from the fire has given way to a second crisis over putrid smells, insects, rodents and growing concerns over sanitation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
The cost of funding a long position in the S&P 500 is spiking alarmingly and investors should pay more attention to this warning sign than they are at present.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
Valve recently launched its new Steam Machine gaming PC with a higher price than expected, starting its announcement with a long explanation about spiking component costs.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
Last Thursday’s selloff dragged the preferred stock down to $82.53, spiking its effective yield to 14%.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026
The water pressure wavered, its temperature spiking as someone in the next room over flushed the toilet.
From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken
