winding

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ How to pronounce winding (audio)
Synonyms of windingnext
1
: material (such as wire) wound or coiled about an object (such as an armature)
also : a single turn of the wound material
2
a
: the act of one that winds
b
: the manner of winding something
3
: a curved or sinuous course, line, or progress

winding

2 of 2

adjective

: marked by winding: such as
a
: having a curved or spiral course or form
a winding stairway
b
: having a course that winds
a winding road

Examples of winding in a Sentence

Adjective a long and winding path through the woods a winding staircase leads to the top of the lighthouse
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
No gloom-dark tree-glitter winding and twining its silks. The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 26 Dec. 2025 But the winding, Upside Down road to getting there hasn’t always been as set in stone. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
But Taylor treated the whole show — era to era — as the long and winding tale of her life, growing up in public through her music. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2025 And still others embark on a long and winding road to find their niche. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for winding

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Winding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winding. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

winding

1 of 2 noun
wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ How to pronounce winding (audio)
1
: material (as wire) wound or coiled about an object
2
: a single turn of wound material

winding

2 of 2 adjective
: marked by winding: as
a
: having a noticeable curved or spiral form
a winding staircase
b
: having a course that winds
a winding road

More from Merriam-Webster on winding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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