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

see also:

on one's haunches

Synonyms of haunch

• 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

Every few months, another sleek electric coupe emerges with rounded fenders, a sloping roofline, and enough rear haunch to invite inevitable comparisons. — New Atlas, 25 July 2026

The lions themselves are sitting on their haunches on tall plinths and have menacing expressions. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026

With head and tail up, Copper flashed past me, and my mount Shorty gave a surprised grunt, slid back on his haunches, and almost upset me. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026

The door lines, roof line, and curved sides all angle up to the rear haunches very much in the same way as the Copperhead concept from the 1997 Detroit auto show. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 21 May 2026

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