noun

pawl

Pawl (noun) means a pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.

noun

A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.

A similar device to prevent motion in other mechanisms besides ratchets.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “pawl” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

17th c., perhaps from Low German or Dutch pal (“catch (mechanism)”), or from either French pal (“stake”) or épaule (“shoulder”).

Rhymes for pawl

bawl trawl crawl shawl brawl sprawl

See all rhymes for pawl →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of pawl?

"pawl" (noun) means a pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.

What are the different meanings of pawl?

"pawl" has 2 main meanings: 1. A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction; 2. A similar device to prevent motion in other mechanisms besides ratchets.