windlass

1 of 2

noun

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

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

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

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

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

Rhymes for windlass

• windless

Kids Definition

windlass

noun

wind·​lass

ˈwin-dləs

: a winch used especially on ships for pulling and lifting