ratchet

1 of 2

noun

ratch·​et ˈra-chət 

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

Did you know?

Slang Meaning of Ratchet

Ratchet also means “trashy and disorderly, sometimes in a good way.” Learn more>

Synonyms of ratchet

Verb

• decrease
• diminish
• shrink
• ebb
• die (away or down or out)
• decline
• taper off

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

These aren't novel ideas in large ratchet drivers, but combining them in a lightweight pocket format is where TiMate is making its bet. —Omar Kardoudi march 05, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026

The son of a retired deputy fire chief in West Hartford was killed during the blizzard on Monday when a ratchet strap snapped and struck him in the head in Hebron. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026

Verb

The pointed accusation ratchets up a turf war between the two carriers, which have both announced expansion plans at O’Hare, the busiest US airport in 2025 by total takeoffs and landings. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026

The lens ships with a petal-style hood that ratchets on or off the front bayonet with a twist and can be reversed for easier storage and transport, front and rear caps, and a drawstring pouch. —Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026

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

1965, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for ratchet

• hatchet

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