capstan

noun

cap·​stan ˈkap-stən 

-ˌstan

1

: a machine for moving or raising heavy weights that consists of a vertical drum which can be rotated and around which cable is turned

2

: a rotating shaft that drives tape at a constant speed in a recorder

Examples of capstan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The mechanical components for high-quality playback - the mechanisms, heads, motors, capstans, pinch rollers - are relics of the past. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026

Such is the ship’s condition that some of her rigging is still in place, while her wooden capstan and bilge pump are also visible. — Fox News, 23 July 2019

Various rare items were also visible aboard the ancient wreck, including a wooden bilge pump and a capstan, a wide cylinder used for winding up lengths of rope. — William J. Broad, New York Times, 22 July 2019

Cranes, windlasses and capstans (ancient water-raising devices based on a kind of swinging, see-saw design) may well have inspired the use of counterweights in early elevators and hoists. — Adrienne Bernhard, Smithsonian, 27 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Middle French cabestant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

capstan

noun

cap·​stan ˈkap-stən 

-ˌstan

: a device that consists of a drum to which a rope is fastened and that is used especially on ships for moving or raising weights