wind·lass
ˈwin(d)-ləs 
: 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
windlassed; windlassing; windlasses
: to hoist or haul with a windlass
Examples of windlass in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
In that case, the bigger object was likely the windlass, a winchlike machine used to hoist the anchor.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
The windlass mechanism isn’t well studied – particularly under lunar gravity.
—Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
The immediate drama at hand is that the anchor is stuck on the ocean floor because of a broken windlass.
—Emma Soren, Vulture, 15 July 2024
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
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Noun
Using metal detectors and magnetometers, the team was able to locate large bits of steel and iron protruding from the seafloor that turned out to be parts of the frame and windlass, the machine used to reel in the anchor.
—Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
In that case, the bigger object was likely the windlass, a winchlike machine used to hoist the anchor.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
The windlass mechanism isn’t well studied – particularly under lunar gravity.
—Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
The immediate drama at hand is that the anchor is stuck on the ocean floor because of a broken windlass.
—Emma Soren, Vulture, 15 July 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Windlass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windlass. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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