# spiked

/ˈspaɪkt/ (US) · /spˈaɪkt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spiked
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

having sharp points or showing a sudden, large increase in something. You use it to describe hair that stands up or a graph that goes up very fast.

For teachers: characterised by sharp, pointed protrusions or exhibiting a sudden, sharp increase in value or intensity. Often used as a participial adjective to describe physical textures or statistical trends.

## Examples

- The graph shows a spiked increase in sales this month.
- He walked into the room with spiked hair and a leather jacket, looking like a 1970s punk rocker.
- Economists noted that while the market remained stable for most of the year, it experienced a spiked volatility immediately following the unexpected election results.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'look' or 'become', or precedes a noun as a modifier.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.