ratchet
noun
a toothed bar with which a pawl engages.
ratchets
-
pluralof ratchet.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The CIA chief also pressed the Russians not to maintain economic or security ties with Iran, as the administration ratchets up its sanctions campaign against Tehran.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
That is until Thatcher ratchets up the eerie tension tenfold while Refn builds his gorgeous fantasy around her.
From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2026
The IMO’s proposal would require shipowners to use lower-carbon alternatives to conventional shipping fuel or pay a fee that ratchets up over time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2025
Woman Is A Tree opens with discordant harmonies, inspired by cult horror show Yellowjackets; while broiling anti-war anthem Rifles ratchets its tempo ever-upwards.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2025
I love how the sky stays light right into evening, how Lake Michigan gets busy with sailboats and the heat ratchets up to the point that it’s almost impossible to recall the struggles of winter.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
