haunch

noun

ˈhȯnch 

ˈhänch

1

a

: hip entry 1 sense 1a

b

: hindquarter sense 2

—usually used in plural

2

: hindquarter sense 1

3

: either side of an arch between the springing and the crown

Phrases

on one's haunches

: in a squatting position

Synonyms

• cheeks
• tail
• seat
• rump
• bum

Examples of haunch in a Sentence

squatted down on her haunches to get a better shot of the ducks with her camera

Recent Examples on the Web

With just a few deliveries left in the Indian Premier League final, a triumph in the bag for Royal Challengers Bengaluru having finally secured a title after an excruciating wait of 17 years, cricket’s biggest superstar Virat Kohli was teary-eyed and on his haunches in the outfield. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Middlesbrough, flat again, did produce a few first-half moments but Angus Gunn made a useful save, Callum Doyle produced a big block and an early Hayden Hackney shot had Wilshere down on his haunches hoping for the best. —Michael Walker, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

Romulus and Remus rested on their haunches in the sun. —D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025

Lamm points out the characteristics that make these animals dire wolves: more pronounced shoulders, a slightly wider head, and thicker haunches than modern-day gray wolves. —Emily Mullin, Wired News, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English haunche, from Anglo-French hanche, haunche, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch hanke haunch

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for haunch

• conch
• launch
• paunch
• staunch
• protoconch

Kids Definition

haunch

noun

ˈhȯnch 

ˈhänch

1

a

: hip entry 2

b

: hindquarter sense 2

—usually used in plural

2

: hindquarter sense 1