Spillane

American

[spi-leyn] / spɪˈleɪn /

noun

Mickey Frank Morrison, 1918–2006, U.S. detective novelist.

Spillane British

/ spɪˈleɪn /

noun

Mickey , original name Frank Morrison Spillane . 1918–2006, US detective-story writer, best known for his books featuring the detective Mike Hammer, for example I, the Jury (1947) and The Twisted Thing (1966)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Still, for Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane, keeping things fun ahead of a career-defining game is key.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Kevin Spillane, a veteran GOP strategist in the state, said Schiff’s refocus on economic issues seemed genuine — and a smart political move, given the outcome of the election.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024

Fellow Abbey Action Group member Cathy Spillane said the bat-plan was "a bit out there" but locals were "making a strong signal".

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2024

By 1948, he was in New York City, first working for the men’s magazine Argosy and then New American Library, the paperback house, editing writers like Mickey Spillane and Gore Vidal.

From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2024

Mrs. Spillane says that means, When are we getting our supper?

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023