winch
1the crank or handle of a revolving machine.
a windlass turned by a crank, for hoisting or hauling.
any of various devices for cranking.
Also wince. Textiles.
any machine equipped with rollers that guide cloth through a dye or finishing solution in an open vat.
a roller between two dyeing vats for passing cloth from one vat to another.
to hoist or haul (a load) by means of a winch.
Origin of winch
1Other words from winch
- wincher, noun
Words that may be confused with winch
- wench, winch
Other definitions for winch (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use winch in a sentence
This seemed good advice, so the auxiliary engine was started and the winches began turning slowly.
Tom Swift and His Giant Telescope | Victor AppletonFor Captain Cable could be heard on deck giving his orders, and already the winches were at work.
The Vultures | Henry Seton MerrimanAll was bustle and keen activity; the clang of locomotive bells and the rattle of steamboat winches echoed about the streets.
Northwest! | Harold BindlossThere are no winches or wheels or artful mechanical contrivances of weights and levers and cables.
The Incredible Honeymoon | E. NesbitBells tolled, wheels rattled, and the clang of the steamer's winches pierced the din.
Northwest! | Harold Bindloss
British Dictionary definitions for winch (1 of 2)
/ (wɪntʃ) /
a windlass driven by a hand- or power-operated crank
a hand- or power-operated crank by which a machine is driven
(tr; often foll by up or in) to pull (in a rope) or lift (a weight) using a winch
Origin of winch
1Derived forms of winch
- wincher, noun
British Dictionary definitions for winch (2 of 2)
/ (wɪntʃ) /
(intr) an obsolete word for wince 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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