noun
winch
wihnch
Winch (noun) means a mechanical device with a drum and crank (or motor) used to haul or hoist a rope or cable. Example: “They used a winch to pull the truck out of the ditch.”
noun
1
A mechanical device with a drum and crank (or motor) used to haul or hoist a rope or cable.
"They used a winch to pull the truck out of the ditch."
"The sailboat's winch made it easy to tighten the sail."
verb
1
To pull or lift something using such a device.
"The crew winched the lifeboat back onto the deck."
How to use winch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crank-and-drum tool for hauling heavy things, or the act of pulling something with one.
Common pairings
winch something up
a hand winch
electric winch
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Word forms
- Plural
- winches
- Third person singular
- winches
- Past tense
- winched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They used a _____ to pull the truck out of the ditch.
Etymology
From Old English winċe, related to the word "wink" through a shared root meaning "to bend or turn".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for winch
See all rhymes for winch →Frequently asked questions
What does “winch” mean?
The word “winch” means a mechanical device with a drum and crank (or motor) used to haul or hoist a rope or cable. In plain terms, a crank-and-drum tool for hauling heavy things, or the act of pulling something with one.
How do you pronounce “winch”?
“Winch” is pronounced wihnch (/wɪnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “winch” in a sentence?
Here is “winch” used in a sentence: “They used a winch to pull the truck out of the ditch.”
What part of speech is “winch”?
Depending on how it is used, “winch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “winch” come from?
The word “winch” comes from Old English. From Old English winċe, related to the word "wink" through a shared root meaning "to bend or turn".
How many meanings does “winch” have?
“Winch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mechanical device with a drum and crank (or motor) used to haul or hoist a rope or cable.
