ratchet

1 of 2

noun

ratch·​et ˈra-chət How to pronounce ratchet (audio)
variants or less commonly rachet
1
: a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (such as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only
2
: a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel

ratchet

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly rachet
ratcheted also racheted; ratcheting also racheting; ratchets also rachets

transitive verb

: to cause to move by steps or degrees
usually used with up or down
tried to ratchet down the debt

intransitive verb

: to proceed by steps or degrees

Examples of ratchet in a Sentence

Verb news stories about the kidnapping will ratchet down as the weeks go by
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
While testers appreciated the simple design and clean, comfy, and smooth straps and ratchets, multiple riders lamented a lack of forward lean adjustment. Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 11 Oct. 2024 With each passing day, as your estrogen level ratchets up, everything can get puffier and more tender (yes, including your boobs), and mood swings could be on the docket. Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
As the equity market has reached new all-time highs, investors have ratcheted up their expectations for higher returns. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024 Governments have ratcheted up spending on defense in recent years as security threats have proliferated, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Anna Cooban, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ratchet 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ratchet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet ratchet, bobbin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff — more at rock

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ratchet was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near ratchet

Cite this Entry

“Ratchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratchet. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ratchet

noun
ratch·​et
ˈrach-ət
1
: a mechanical device that consists of a bar or wheel having slanted teeth into which a pawl drops so as to allow motion in one direction only
2
: pawl

More from Merriam-Webster on ratchet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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