haunch

noun \ ˈhȯnch , ˈhänch \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of haunch

1 a : hip 1a

b : hindquarter 2 —usually used in plural

2 : hindquarter 1

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

— on one's haunches

: in a squatting position

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Recent Examples of haunch from the Web

In the first, squire Pozzo eats a chicken haunch for lunch and, feeling garrulous, engages social inferiors Gogo and Didi in conversation.

— tony adler, Chicago Reader, "After all these years, we’re still Waiting for Godot," 30 May 2018
Sitting on a plywood table just outside his house were ruby-red caribou haunches curing in the sun.

— zach hughes, latimes.com, "Tanning seal hides on the edge of the world: A foothold in the global economy in rural Alaska," 2 May 2018
The sedan has a kind of muscular grace, which is most effective at the rear, where its high belt line, brawny haunches and swooping, vertical taillights mesh nicely.

— daniel miller, latimes.com, "The Genesis G90 is a luxurious opening act for the new brand — and definitely not a Hyundai," 11 May 2018
There's more than a hint of sedan in its extended nose and a flair of Veloster in its haunches.

— john scott lewinski, Ars Technica, "The Hyundai Kona: A well-equipped crossover starting at just $19,500," 30 Apr. 2018
Volante’s curvaceous decklid, integrating the leather-upholstered tonneau and twin head buttresses, makes the DB11’s heavy haunches and Coke-bottle waist even more explicit.

— dan neil, WSJ, "2019 Aston Martin DB11 Volante: A Six-Figure Car That’s Worth Every Penny," 26 Apr. 2018
Before anyone gets their haunches up, though, this isn't a re-litigation of the alleged debate over whether the NBA is better than college basketball.

— tim bontemps, chicagotribune.com, "The NCAA tournament is great — except for the actual basketball. Here's how to fix that.," 26 Mar. 2018
The big lion walked up, his eye catching the movement in our house, and then settled into his haunches to watch the action.

— tom stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, "At dinnertime, mountain lion lurks in the shadows," 11 Mar. 2018
Then, as if my presence is sensed, there’s a howl from within, a bounding of a beast — presumably with great haunches and maybe two heads — for the door.

— andy schatschneider, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Joeann Genetti shares about her 'witch house' in Summit and her new business in Delafield," 1 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'haunch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of haunch

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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HAUNCH Defined for English Language Learners

haunch

noun

Definition of haunch for English Language Learners

: the upper part of a person's or animal's leg; especially : the upper part of an animal's rear leg used as meat

HAUNCH Defined for Kids

haunch

noun \ ˈhȯnch \

Definition of haunch for Students

1 : hindquarter

The dog sat on its haunches.

2 : the upper part of a person's thigh together with the back part of the hip

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See words that rhyme with haunch Spanish Central: Translation of haunch Nglish: Translation of haunch for Spanish speakers

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haunch

Definition of haunch

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Origin and Etymology of haunch

HAUNCH Defined for English Language Learners

haunch

Definition of haunch for English Language Learners

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haunch

Definition of haunch for Students

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