spired

Spired is an adjective used to describe a building, structure, or object that features a spire. A spire is a tall, slender, pointed element crowning a tower or other vertical feature, most commonly found on churches, cathedrals, and town halls. The term is used primarily in architectural descriptions, history, and travel writing to denote this characteristic.

Usage: In architectural descriptions, spired denotes that the structure has a conspicuous spire emphasized in the overall silhouette. It can apply to historic examples—such as Gothic or Romanesque churches—as well as modern designs that incorporate a spire. The word appears in formal or semi-formal prose and is less common in everyday speech.

Etymology and form: Spired is the past participle form of spire, indicating possession of a spire. The related noun is spire, referring to the structure itself.

Notes: Spired is distinct from inspired, which conveys motivation or influence rather than a physical feature. In some cases, spires vary in style, height, and ornamentation, but the defining idea remains the same: the presence of a pointed crown atop the structure.