What does spike mean?
A spike is a pointed projection, as found on a cactus, a shoe sole, or a piece of climbing equipment. In economic, scientific, and everyday contexts, the noun can also describe a sudden and pronounced increase: a spike in prices, demand, crime, or interest. The verb “to spike” similarly means to rise or increase sharply, as when sales climb suddenly. In another sense, a spike is a pointed tool or projection used to fasten, pierce, or secure something, such as a nail driven into a wall or a plant’s thorn. The word also has a sporting use, referring to the sharp action or tool involved in striking a ball. Although “spike” is most often associated with points and sharp movements, it is also used informally for injecting drugs. Across these senses, the central idea is a sudden change or a pointed, concentrated force.
A narrow, pointed projection, or a sudden sharp increase in a quantity or rate.
"A sudden spike in electricity demand strained the network."
The figurative sense is common in reports about prices, demand, crime, illness, and other measurable phenomena.
To rise suddenly and sharply, or to pierce or fasten something with a pointed object.
"Temperatures spiked shortly before sunrise."
The informal meaning “to inject a drug” is also common in some speech communities.
The plural is used for individual pointed projections and for separate instances of a sudden increase.
"The graph shows several spikes in demand throughout the year."
One word can describe both a sharp point and a sudden leap in numbers: a spike can be something you stand on, or a sudden jump in demand.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spike come from?
The word “spike” has been used in English since the medieval period for a pointed projection and related pointed tools or fastenings. Its deeper origin is uncertain, and several proposed connections have been rejected or remain debated. The modern figurative sense, meaning a sudden sharp increase, developed by analogy with the pointed shape of a spike.
Related word forms
How spike is actually used
The noun is common in British and US English. As a verb, “spike” is formal to neutral when describing a sudden increase; the meaning “inject a drug” is informal and potentially sensitive.
Easily confused with spike
A spike is a pointed projection or sudden rise, whereas a spill is an amount of liquid or other material released or scattered.
A spike is a pointed projection or sudden increase, while a strike can mean a blow, a refusal to work, or a baseball action.