winch

1 of 2

noun

ˈwinch 

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

• winch 1

winch

2 of 2

verb

winched; winching; winches

transitive verb

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

wincher noun

Examples of winch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While the driver struggles at the wheel, the rest of the crew must scout, scream directions to the driver and operate winches to pull the rig out of mud or dangle it over cliffs. — Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026

The company also says the system supports helicopter hoist operations by allowing the winch operator to independently control illumination around the rescue area. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

Verb

An officer was lowered from the helicopter and, just after midnight, safely winched the cyclist out — bringing the tense situation to an end. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026

Before heading out, some fishermen pick up boxes from the island's fishing companies to pack their catch which, in the capital of Nuuk, is winched from the boat to the fish factory. — ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1529, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for winch

• cinch
• finch
• flinch
• inch
• lynch
• pinch
• synch
• bullfinch
• goldfinch

Kids Definition

winch

noun

ˈwinch

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