✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

idler pulley

noun

: a guide or tightening pulley for a belt or chain

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of idler pulley was circa 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idler pulley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idler%20pulley. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!