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

Grab a Swiss Ball and place it in front of one side of the pulley machine. — Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026

The pulley also cuts pull distance from 20 to 10 feet (6 to 3 m). — C.c. Weiss may 13, New Atlas, 13 May 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 historic facade opens onto a vast, contemporary lobby and bar, where the original steel trusses and pulley lights hang over the room. — Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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