ratchet

1 of 2

noun

ratch·​et ˈra-chət How to pronounce ratchet (audio)
variants or less commonly
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

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Slang Meaning of Ratchet

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
It’s built up so well, with little moments of relief that ratchet right back up again. Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 The acquisitions market remains in a funk as streamers ratchet down their wants, and motion picture distributors evaluate whether the investment in a movie justifies their energy. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
As if the American news cycle isn't chock-full enough of political intrigue, a new film is ratcheting up the pressure. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 When Venezuela began ratcheting up tensions against Guyana in mid-2024, the Biden administration again alternated between carrots and sticks. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ratchet

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

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Cite this Entry

“Ratchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratchet. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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

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