# spool

/ˈspuɫ/ (US) · /spˈuːl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spool
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a small, round object that holds a long thread, wire, or tape. In computing, it is a temporary storage area for data that is waiting to be processed.

For teachers: a cylindrical object on which thread, wire, or tape is wound. In a computing context, it refers to a temporary storage area used to hold data that is being moved between different parts of a system.

## Examples

- The printer uses a small spool of ink.
- The technician replaced the empty spool of cable with a new one to continue the installation.
- The operating system manages the data flow by writing incoming requests to a spool before sending them to the printer, ensuring that the hardware does not become a bottleneck.

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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.