Illustration of pulley
- pulley 2
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
Examples of pulley in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Reformer Pilates Originally designed by Joseph Pilates, a reformer is a specialized piece of large exercise equipment that encompasses a long, bed-like frame set low to the ground and a sliding horizontal platform attached to a system of pulleys or springs.
—
Maggie Donahue,
Health,
25 June 2026
Attach a single handle to one side of a cable pulley machine.
—
Matt Parrott,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2026
Before long, the living room is reduced to a bare stage, upon which only a couple of pulleys and switches are visible.
—
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
The Broncos, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, Denver Water and community groups have all begun placing the figurative dominoes, toy race cars and pulley system that will make up the process to build the stadium.
—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pulley
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Maggie Donahue,
Health,
25 June 2026
Attach a single handle to one side of a cable pulley machine.
—
Matt Parrott,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2026
Before long, the living room is reduced to a bare stage, upon which only a couple of pulleys and switches are visible.
—
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
The Broncos, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, Denver Water and community groups have all begun placing the figurative dominoes, toy race cars and pulley system that will make up the process to build the stadium.
—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pulley
Cite this Entry
“Pulley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulley. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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