winding

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ How to pronounce winding (audio)
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

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
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
During the conversation, the pair discussed their favorite foods, fame, pre-show routines, acting, and the sometimes long, winding process of making an album. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025 Voters picked it for its large lazy river and winding slides. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025
Adjective
After the afternoon prayers, the thunderstorm fading into the distance, a group of girls takes a winding cobblestone path through a thin area of woods and approaches a greenhouse. Lindsey McGinnis, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025 Black Sands’ 12 teak bungalows are just steps from the beach, connected by a winding wooden boardwalk. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for winding

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of winding was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Winding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winding. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

winding

1 of 2 noun
wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ How to pronounce winding (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on winding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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