What does windlass mean?
A windlass is a compact mechanical device for raising or pulling heavy loads. Its basic form is a horizontal axle or drum fitted with a crank, with a rope or cable wound around it to provide mechanical advantage. Windlasses were particularly important aboard sailing ships, where crews used them to raise anchors, handle chains, and move heavy equipment, although the term also applies to machinery in mines, warehouses, and construction sites. The word has a strongly technical and maritime character, and most speakers are more likely to use the broader word winch in everyday discussion. As a verb, windlass means to haul or raise something with such a device. The term is now less frequent in ordinary speech but remains useful when describing nautical equipment, historical practices, or the specific mechanics of a crank-operated lifting machine.
A machine for lifting or hauling a load, typically with a horizontal axle or drum, a crank, and a rope or cable; especially such a device used aboard a ship.
"The anchor chain was wound in by means of the windlass."
The term is most common in nautical, historical, and technical contexts.
To raise, haul, or draw something using a windlass, or to operate a windlass.
"The crew windlassed the stores up from the hold."
This verb is uncommon outside nautical, historical, and technical writing.
The regular plural adds -es.
"The two windlasses were used to haul the supplies aboard."
On old sailing ships, the windlass helped crews haul in anchors and handle heavy loads with remarkable mechanical leverage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of windlass
The English word comes through Middle English from Old Norse vindáss, a compound formed from words associated with wind and a beam or axle. Cognate forms appear in Dutch and German, and the English word ultimately belongs to the Germanic vocabulary of winding and lifting machinery. Its nautical and mechanical associations developed through its use for devices that raised anchors, weights, and other loads.
Related word forms
How windlass is actually used
As a noun, windlass is mainly technical, nautical, or historical. In general modern usage, winch is more familiar. The verb is uncommon and is chiefly found in maritime, historical, and technical writing.
Easily confused with windlass
A windlass is a particular type of crank-and-axle or drum mechanism for hauling or lifting, whereas a winch is the broader term for such a pulling or winding device.
A windlass typically has a horizontal axle, while a capstan is a vertical, rotating cylinder used for similar hauling and lifting purposes.