haunch

noun \ ˈhȯnch , ˈhänch \

Updated on: 5 Apr 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

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
There are tracks of several species of mammals likely hunting worms or grubs, including a new species of squirrel-like mammal that sat on its haunches for a moment, leaving an imprint.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Dinosaur and Ancient Mammal Stomping Ground Found in NASA Parking Lot," 3 Feb. 2018
But the Real ID version features, in the top right corner, a grizzly bear, the state’s official animal, with a white star on its haunch, like a hip tattoo.

— michael cabanatuan, San Francisco Chronicle, "California rolls out new driver’s licenses — and those who fly will want them," 23 Jan. 2018
Vendors squat down low on their haunches, presiding over mounds of dried squid or bitter gourd.

— tom downey, WSJ, "A Vietnamese Island Group Unspoiled by Tourism," 30 July 2017
Styling details at the back, like those raised haunches over the rear wheels and the floating roofline, conspire to make the hatchback look almost like a crossover, at least to my eyes.

— jonathan m. gitlin, Ars Technica, "The 2018 Nissan Leaf offers more power and more range for less money," 6 Sep. 2017
Everything about her is intentional, subtly humanized and meaningful: her half-pregnant belly, her upright posture and feminine haunch.

— melik kaylan, WSJ, "‘Noah’s Beasts: Sculpted Animals From Ancient Mesopotamia’ Review: Everyday Divine," 18 July 2017

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

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First Known Use: 13th century

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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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