winding

12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for winding, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj — Curving and twisting repeatedly, rather than running straight.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

wind

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

twisting wandering twist

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

meandering serpentine curving coiling tortuous twisty rambling voluminous

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj

Curving and twisting repeatedly, rather than running straight.

“A winding path led up through the woods to the summit.”

twisting meandering serpentine curving coiling tortuous twisty rambling wandering voluminous

Opposites

straight rectilinear

2. noun

A coil of wire wrapped around a core, as in a motor or transformer.

“A short in the motor's winding caused it to overheat.”

wind twist

How to use winding

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a winding road winding staircase motor winding

Etymology

The noun is derived from Middle English winding, windinge, wyndynge (“act of exposing something to the wind, airing, ventilating; act of winnowing (?)”), from winden, wynden (“to expose (something) to the air or wind, ventilate; to cause (someone) to be out of breath; to winnow (wheat); of an animal: to catch the scent...

Full origin of winding →

Frequently asked questions

What does “winding” mean?

The word “winding” means curving and twisting repeatedly, rather than running straight. In plain terms, curvy and twisty (for roads, rivers, staircases), or a coil of wire in electrical equipment.

How do you pronounce “winding”?

“Winding” is pronounced WIHN-dihng (/ˈwɪndɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “winding” in a sentence?

Here is “winding” used in a sentence: “A winding path led up through the woods to the summit.”

What part of speech is “winding”?

Depending on how it is used, “winding” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “winding” a common word?

“Winding” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “winding” have?

“Winding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: curving and twisting repeatedly, rather than running straight.

What is the difference between winding and curving?

Winding describes something that curves and twists repeatedly, changing direction multiple times, such as a winding road through hills. Curving can refer to a single smooth bend, while winding implies a more complex, repeated pattern of turns.

What does winding mean in electrical engineering?

In electrical contexts, a winding is a noun referring to a coil of wire wrapped around a core, such as in a motor or transformer, used to generate or respond to a magnetic field. This is a technical use distinct from the adjective describing curving paths.

Can winding describe things other than roads?

Yes, winding can describe any path, river, or route that curves and twists repeatedly, such as a 'winding staircase' or a 'winding river,' not just roads.

People also searched

straight wind twist wandering twisting rambling voluminous tortuous rectilinear coiling serpentine twisty

Nearby words

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