winch

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈwinch How to pronounce winch (audio)
1
: any of various machines or instruments for hauling or pulling
especially : a powerful machine with one or more drums on which to coil a rope, cable, or chain for hauling or hoisting : windlass
2
: a crank with a handle for giving motion to a machine (such as a grindstone)

Illustration of winch

Illustration of winch
  • winch 1

winch

2 of 3

verb

winched; winching; winches

transitive verb

: to hoist or haul with or as if with a winch
wincher noun

wincher

3 of 3

noun (2)

winch·​er
-chə(r)
plural -s
: one who operates a winch : winchman

Examples of winch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Heck, the winch even lifted it up in a tree! — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026 The winch groans before the net even breaks the surface, a warning that something heavy is on its way up. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
The procedure took about two hours of winching to pull the vehicle out of the bog, the Army added. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025 The key to actually landing a bass caught near heavy cover is being ready to set the hook and start winching the bass away from its hiding place. — Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 19 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for winch

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English winche roller, reel, from Old English wince; akin to Old English wincian to wink

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of winch was before the 12th century

Rhymes for winch

See All Rhymes for winch

Browse Nearby Words

winceyette
winch
wincher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Winch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

winch

noun
ˈwinch
: a machine that has a roller on which a rope, cable, or chain is wound for pulling or lifting

More from Merriam-Webster on winch

Nglish: Translation of winch for Spanish Speakers

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