pulley

noun

pul·​ley ˈpu̇-lē 

plural pulleys

1

: a sheave or small wheel with a grooved rim and with or without the block in which it runs used singly with a rope or chain to change the direction and point of application of a pulling force and in various combinations to increase the applied force especially for lifting weights

2

: a pulley or pulleys with ropes to form a tackle that constitutes one of the simple machines

3

: a wheel used to transmit power by means of a band, belt, cord, rope, or chain passing over its rim

Illustration of pulley

• pulley 2

Examples of pulley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Where a handlebar would normally be, Paton has used a large steering wheel that turns the front wheel using cables and pulleys. —New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2024

Video captured the moment Norwood was rescued, carried over the floods by a pulley and brought to safety. —NBC News, 3 Oct. 2024

In addition to the ECU, other upgrades include a Steeda Autosports under-drive supercharger pulley, Borla long-tube headers, and a Ford Performance muffler. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2024

The cranks and pulleys in Thomson’s machine were configured so that by spinning them, the user would get an output that was identical to the result of the expression that needed to be solved. —Michael Moyer, Quanta Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poley, pully, from Anglo-French pulie, probably ultimately from Greek polos axis, pole — more at pole

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pulley

• idler pulley

Kids Definition

pulley

noun

pul·​ley ˈpu̇l-ē 

plural pulleys

: a small wheel with a grooved rim used with a rope or chain to change the direction of a pulling force and in combination to increase the force applied for lifting

Medical Definition

pulley

noun

pul·​ley ˈpu̇l-ē 

: trochlea