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

Instead of an electric actuator at each front corner, Dethleffs has gone with a central cable pulley system that lifts and lowers both corners from the center. —New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026

When the last minute of the year arrived, workers lowered the ball using a complex pulley system. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025

Find a spot on the ceiling, preferably away from anything big, bulky, or pricey—such as a car—and attach sturdy beams with pulleys on each end. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025

The episode closes with Kelce waiting on a pulley system as Swift finishes her final song and appears beneath the stage. —Bryan West, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for pulley

• bully
• fully
• woolly
• wooly

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