winder

American  

[wahyn-der] / ˈwaɪn dər /

noun

1. a person or thing that winds. wind.

2. a staircase step for changing direction.

3. a plant that coils or twines itself about something.

4. an instrument or a machine for winding wind thread or the like.

---

winder British  

/ ˈwaɪndə /

noun

1. a person or device that winds, as an engine for hoisting the cages in a mine shaft or a device for winding the yarn in textile manufacture

2. an object, such as a bobbin, around which something is wound

3. a knob or key used to wind up a clock, watch, or similar mechanism

4. any plant that twists itself around a support

5. a step of a spiral staircase

---

Etymology

Origin of winder

First recorded in 1545–55; wind ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

His father was a shawl weaver and his mother was a cotton winder.

From BBC

The agency shared a photo of the moth with its large orange wings, winder than an outstretched hand shown for scale.

From Seattle Times

That Susan bit the royal clock winder and a young palace sentry is a matter of record, though her epitaph leaves out such indiscretions.

From BBC

Firefighters, who typically rely on calmer winders and lower temperatures to make progress in the evening, have been hindered by unexpectedly strong winds at night.

From Seattle Times

He set down a glass of liquor next to the urn and proceeded to pluck the watches from the winder, stuffing them into his coat pocket.

From New York Times