windlass

noun
UK: /ˈwɪndləs/
US: /ˈwɪndləs/

  1. A machine used to lift heavy things by turning a handle.

    1. He used a windlass to lift the heavy bucket of water from the well.
    2. The old ship relied on a sturdy windlass to raise its massive anchor effortlessly.

  2. A type of winch, typically used on ships or in wells, for hauling or lifting.

    1. The sailors turned the windlass to pull the boat closer to the dock.
    2. They secured the heavy load, then carefully lowered it using the powered windlass.

Synonyms

winch hoist capstan
windlass transitive-verb

  1. To raise or lower something with a windlass.

    1. They had to windlass the supplies up the cliff face carefully.
    2. The crew prepared to windlass the anchor, signalling their departure from the bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "windlass" in English means: A machine used to lift heavy things by turning a handle., A type of winch, typically used on ships or in wells, for hauling or lifting..

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

Synonyms for "windlass": winch, hoist, capstan.

Example usage of "windlass": "He used a windlass to lift the heavy bucket of water from the well.". More examples on the page.