haunch

noun

ˈhȯnch 

ˈhänch

1

a

: hip entry 1 sense 1a

b

: hindquarter sense 2

—usually 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

Count on a lunchtime carving station, with a chef slicing everything from a giant roast beef haunch to whole suckling pig. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

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

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