noun
pulley
PUU-lee
Pulley (noun) means a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim over which a rope or chain runs, used to lift or move loads. Example: “They used a pulley system to hoist the piano to the second floor.”
noun
1
A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim over which a rope or chain runs, used to lift or move loads.
"They used a pulley system to hoist the piano to the second floor."
"The block and tackle uses several pulleys to multiply lifting force."
How to use pulley
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA grooved wheel that a rope runs over, used to make lifting things easier.
Common pairings
a pulley system
block and tackle pulley
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Word forms
- Plural
- pulleys, pullies
- Third person singular
- pulleys
- Past tense
- pulleyed
Fill the gap
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They used a _____ system to hoist the piano to the second floor.
Etymology
From Old French polie, ultimately from Ancient Greek πόλος (pólos), "pivot, axis." Later linked to the verb "pull" by folk etymology.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for pulley
See all rhymes for pulley →Frequently asked questions
What does “pulley” mean?
The word “pulley” means a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim over which a rope or chain runs, used to lift or move loads. In plain terms, a grooved wheel that a rope runs over, used to make lifting things easier.
How do you pronounce “pulley”?
“Pulley” is pronounced PUU-lee (/ˈpʊli/ in IPA).
How do you use “pulley” in a sentence?
Here is “pulley” used in a sentence: “They used a pulley system to hoist the piano to the second floor.”
What part of speech is “pulley”?
“Pulley” is a noun.
Where does the word “pulley” come from?
The word “pulley” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French polie, ultimately from Ancient Greek πόλος (pólos), "pivot, axis." Later linked to the verb "pull" by folk etymology.
