NYT Dictionary

WINCH

/wɪnt͡ʃ/
NounVerbWINTSGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2024, 2025

Meaning

A machine consisting of a drum on an axle, a friction brake or ratchet and pawl, and a crank handle or prime mover (often an electric or hydraulic motor), with or without gearing, to give increased mechanical advantage when hoisting or hauling on a rope or cable.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English wynche, from Old English winċe, from Proto-Germanic *winkijǭ, ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European *weng- (“to bow, bend, arch, curve”), whence also wink.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

windlasscompanioncrabcrankhoistreelshiptackletautentighten

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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