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

The haunches were attached to the rest of a large black and orange body, lying calmly in the grass — a tiger, the video shows. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025

During the day, the Glasshouse is the place to gather, and share classic English dishes (pork pies and venison haunches) right alongside family-style Indian Dhaba delights, Tandoori chicken included. —Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

The teenager, who spoke in hushed, decorous bursts, had months earlier shot rats near a friend’s camp in Manchac, dressed the carcasses (an intricate process, given the animal’s size), and frozen their haunches. —Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Bruno Fernandes and Amad sank to their haunches. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 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