Winch definition

wĭnch
winched winches winching
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Frequency:
A machine for hoisting, lowering, or hauling, consisting of a drum or cylinder turned by a crank or motor: a rope or cable tied to the load is wound on the drum or cylinder.
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To use a winch.

Winch in those sails, lad!

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The definition of a winch is a device used for hauling or lifting that contains a rotating part with rope, cable or chains wound around it, or a crank on a pulley system.

An example of a winch is a pulley device used to lift a heavy piano up to a second floor by rotating a cable that is wound around a horizontal part to cause the rope holding the piano to move upwards.

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A stationary motor-driven or hand-powered machine used for hoisting or hauling, having a drum around which is wound a rope or chain attached to the load being moved.
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The crank used to give motion to a grindstone or similar device.
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To move with or as if with a winch.
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A crank with a handle for transmitting motion, as to a grindstone.
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To hoist or haul with a winch.
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A machine consisting of a drum on an axle, a pawl, and a crank handle, with or without gearing, to give increased mechanical advantage when hauling on a rope.
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(nautical) A hoisting machine used for loading or discharging cargo, or for hauling in lines. (FM 55-501).
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A wince (machine used in dyeing or steeping cloth).
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A kick, as of an animal, from impatience or uneasiness.

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To wince; to shrink.
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To kick with impatience or uneasiness.
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(informal) Winchester (city in England)
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
winch
Plural:
winches

Origin of winch

  • Middle English winche pulley from Old English wince reel, roller

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • See wince.

    From Wiktionary

Winch Sentence Examples

  • A glass plate fixed to a wooden or metal shaft is rotated by a winch.

  • The line is hauled in by a steam or electric winch, and the sounding-tube containing a sample of the bottom deposit is rapidly brought on board.

  • The viking glider uses a winch to get off of the ground.

  • A wire hawser attached to a mobile winch held them.

  • A new winder - in reality a ship's winch fitted with a diesel engine - and a steel headgear were installed.

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Words near winch in the Dictionary