winding

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ 

1

: material (such as wire) wound or coiled about an object (such as an armature)

also : a single turn of the wound material

2

a

: the act of one that winds

b

: the manner of winding something

3

: a curved or sinuous course, line, or progress

winding

2 of 2

adjective

: marked by winding: such as

a

: having a curved or spiral course or form

a winding stairway

b

: having a course that winds

a winding road

Synonyms of winding

Adjective

• twisting
• curving
• curved
• serpentine
• twisted

Examples of winding in a Sentence

Adjective

a long and winding path through the woods

a winding staircase leads to the top of the lighthouse

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During parades, the ribbons are flung out of windows along the route, creating a winding, dramatic effect. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Richard Mille says the manual winding system allows for a lighter, more streamlined build, without any pesky oscillating weight taking up space. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Vast stretches of suburban concrete block its natural drainage, and thousands of homes have been built along its winding, sluggish tributaries. — Dominic Boyer, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026

Hosch, 67, went for a hike on part of the Appalachian Trail, a winding path that extends almost 2,200 miles through 14 states. — Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing winding

• field winding
• self-winding
• stem-winding
• winding-sheet
• winding-up

Rhymes for winding

• binding
• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

Kids Definition

winding

1 of 2 noun

wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ 

1

: material (as wire) wound or coiled about an object

2

: a single turn of wound material

winding

2 of 2 adjective

: marked by winding: as

a

: having a noticeable curved or spiral form

a winding staircase

b

: having a course that winds

a winding road