windlass

1 of 2

noun

wind·​lass ˈwin(d)-ləs How to pronounce windlass (audio)
: any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: such as
a
: a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel
b
: a steam or electric winch with horizontal or vertical shaft and two drums used to raise a ship's anchor

windlass

2 of 2

verb

windlassed; windlassing; windlasses

transitive verb

: to hoist or haul with a windlass

Examples of windlass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Locate a stick or stiff rod to use as the windlass. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 17 Aug. 2024 Devices like the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) are crafted with a rod called a windlass and a self-adhering band for easy application in the field.1 Experts recommend using a commercial tourniquet whenever available for safety and efficacy. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 17 Aug. 2024 Its deck has collapsed, but all the deck gear remains at the wreck site, including two giant anchors, hand pumps and its bow windlass, the association said. CBS News, 24 July 2024 But all the deck gear remains, such as two giant anchors, hand pumps, as well as its bow windlass and capstan. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 23 July 2024 Among the artifacts found: stoneware jugs, the anchor, wire rope rigging, ship’s bell (now green with age) and a windlass, used to move heavy weight aboard a ship. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 20 June 2024 Fire up that windlass and reel it in. Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 27 Mar. 2021 The captain engaged in evasive maneuvers after problems arose with the ship’s windlass, a part of the boat that helps operate the anchor, Bolinski said. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022 Artifacts found in the mine include shoes, clay pipes and a windlass—a type of winchthat would have been used to lift heavy objects. Jane Recker, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'windlass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wyneles, wyndlas, alteration of wyndase, from Old French guindas, windas, from Old Norse vindāss, from vinda to wind (akin to Old High German wintan to wind) + āss pole; akin to Goth ans beam

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of windlass was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near windlass

Cite this Entry

“Windlass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windlass. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

windlass

noun
wind·​lass
ˈwin-dləs
: a winch used especially on ships for pulling and lifting

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