capstan

noun
UK: /ˈkæpstən/
US: /ˈkæpstən/

  1. A machine with a vertical rotating cylinder, used for winding ropes or cables, especially on a ship.

    1. The sailors used the capstan to raise the anchor.
    2. The heavy mooring lines were hauled in using the ship's capstan during docking.

Synonyms

winch windlass
capstan transitive-verb

  1. To raise or haul something using a capstan.

    1. They had to capstan the boat up the canal lock.
    2. The crew began to capstan the anchor, preparing the ship for departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "capstan" is /ˈkæpstən/ in British English and /ˈkæpstən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "capstan": winch, windlass.

Example usage of "capstan": "The sailors used the capstan to raise the anchor.". More examples on the page.