winch
winch
/wɪntʃ/
A hauling or lifting device consisting of a rope or chain winding round a horizontal rotating drum, turned by a crank or motor.
Refers specifically to the mechanical pulling device using a spooled cable, distinct from a simple rope or a vertical lift.
The story behind the word. From the Old English wince, meaning a pulley, reel, or starting handle. It originally described the simple crank mechanism used to draw water up from a well before evolving into the heavy motorized pulling tool we use today.
Word relationships
- windlass: A windlass is a specific type of winch, often used on ships to raise anchors, whereas winch is the general term.
Commonly confused with
- wrench: A wrench is a hand tool for tightening nuts, while a winch is a heavy motorized pulling machine.
Word family
- winching (noun): The act of pulling something with a winch.
Collocations
- electric winch
- winch cable
- winch out
Example sentences
- "The operator attached the winch to the car's frame to pull it out of the deep mud." Describing a difficult recovery operation.
Memory hook
A winch helps you 'inch' a heavy car out of a ditch. Winch to inch.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'wrench' (a tool for turning bolts).
Fun facts
- The medieval trebuchet catapult used massive winches wound by multiple men to pull down the heavy throwing arm before firing.
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