spike heel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2fashion, informal
Quick answer
What does “spike heel” mean?
A very high, thin heel on a shoe, typically a woman's shoe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very high, thin heel on a shoe, typically a woman's shoe.
The style of shoe featuring such a heel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is common in both varieties. The British may more frequently use the full phrase 'stiletto heel' as a near-synonym.
Connotations
Connotes fashion, glamour, but also potential discomfort and a certain assertive or formal femininity.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English; British English shows a stronger preference for 'stiletto(s)'.
Grammar
How to Use “spike heel” in a Sentence
She wore [spike heels].The shoes had [spike heels].She teetered on her [spike heels].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spike heel” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- spike-heeled shoes
- a spike-heel pump
American English
- spike-heeled boots
- a spike-heel sandal
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally to describe professional attire, e.g., 'The dress code requires suits and spike heels.'
Academic
Rare, except in fashion or cultural studies contexts.
Everyday
Common in descriptions of clothing and fashion, e.g., 'I can't walk far in my spike heels.'
Technical
Used in shoe design and manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spike heel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spike heel”
- Misspelling as 'spike hill' or 'spike heals'. Using it as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'She spike heeled to the party').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are essentially synonyms. 'Stiletto' is perhaps more precise and modern, while 'spike heel' is slightly more informal and descriptive.
While historically and predominantly a women's fashion item, some contemporary fashion and performance contexts feature men wearing spike-heeled shoes.
Podiatrists often warn that prolonged or frequent wear of very high, thin heels can lead to foot, ankle, and back problems.
All spike heels are high heels, but not all high heels are spike heels. 'Spike heel' specifies the thin, sharply tapered style, whereas 'high heel' is a broader category that includes block heels, wedges, etc.
A very high, thin heel on a shoe, typically a woman's shoe.
Spike heel is usually fashion, informal in register.
Spike heel: in British English it is pronounced /spaɪk hiːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /spaɪk hiːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Heel power (related, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPIKE (sharp point) on the HEEL of a shoe - a SPIKE HEEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEIGHT IS STATUS/ELEGANCE, SHARPNESS IS DANGER/EDGINESS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern synonym for 'spike heel'?