What is the difference between a spire and a steeple?

Answer 1

You cannot have a spire without a steeple, a steeple can be a tower not necessarily tapering to a point. A spire tapers to a point.

Answer 2

A spire is a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, often used for decoration. A steeple, on the other hand, is a tall tower or structure on top of a church, often containing bells. In general, spires are purely decorative, while steeples serve a functional purpose.