What does splice mean?
Splice is both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to join two pieces by overlapping, interlocking, or fitting their ends together, often in a way that makes the connection secure or nearly invisible. As a noun, a splice is the resulting joint: it may be a connection in a cable, a joined section of film or tape, or a point where genetic material has been combined. The word is especially associated with technical work, including film editing, audio production, electrical work, crafts, and molecular biology. In everyday use, “splice into” can describe inserting one item neatly into another: a designer might splice a new section into an existing layout, or an editor might splice additional footage into a scene. Splice is therefore more precise than “join” when the connection involves an overlap, fitted end, or edited transition. Its associations with precision, craftsmanship, and careful construction make it useful when the exact joining method matters.
A joint or connection made by overlapping, interlocking, or fitting together the ends of two things; especially a joined section of film, tape, or recorded material.
"There was a clean splice in the middle of the reel."
To join two things by overlapping, interlocking, or fitting their ends together, especially in a way that makes the connection secure or inconspicuous.
"The technician spliced the damaged section of cable."
The plural is used for multiple joints, connections, or edited joins.
"The film contains several splices between scenes shot in different locations."
Splice is the editor's term for making two pieces fit together so seamlessly that the join nearly disappears.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splice come from?
The word splice is recorded in English by the early 16th century and was used both for the act of joining and for the joint or connection produced. Its earliest uses belong to the broader tradition of craft terminology, where separate lengths or pieces are made continuous by overlapping or interlacing them. The word's exact deeper linguistic ancestry is not certain enough to identify a specific cognate confidently.
Related word forms
How splice is actually used
The word is especially common in technical and professional contexts, including filmmaking, audio editing, construction, crafts, and molecular biology. It is usually transitive, as in “splice A into B,” and can sound more specialized than the general verb “join.” There is no important regional difference in standard usage.
Easily confused with splice
Splicing joins pieces together by overlapping or interlocking them, whereas splitting divides a larger object into separate parts.