Definition of winch
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: any of various machines or instruments for hauling or pulling
especially
: a powerful machine with one or more drums on which to coil a rope, cable, or chain for hauling or hoisting : windlass
2
: a crank with a handle for giving motion to a machine (such as a grindstone)
winch
verb
winched; winching; winches
Definition of winch (Entry 2 of 2)
: to hoist or haul with or as if with a winch
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Color
-
- Name that color:

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share winch
Time Traveler for winch
The first known use of winch was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century