pulley

noun

pul·​ley ˈpu̇-lē How to pronounce pulley (audio)
plural pulleys
1
: a sheave or small wheel with a grooved rim and with or without the block in which it runs used singly with a rope or chain to change the direction and point of application of a pulling force and in various combinations to increase the applied force especially for lifting weights
2
: a pulley or pulleys with ropes to form a tackle that constitutes one of the simple machines
3
: a wheel used to transmit power by means of a band, belt, cord, rope, or chain passing over its rim

Illustration of pulley

Illustration of pulley
  • pulley 2

Examples of pulley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But there’s a real satisfaction in watching Ohm figure out the suite’s unique conveniences, run by analog systems of pulleys and levers, confronting the terrors within and mastering them for his survival. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026 But there’s a real satisfaction in watching Ohm figure out the suite’s unique conveniences, run by analog systems of pulleys and levers, confronting the terrors within and mastering them for his survival. Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026 The group was first alerted to the site in February 2024 after team members found a pulley wheel with a mark of the British Royal Navy. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 At stations, the cabins would detach, and pulleys would lower them for passengers to get on or off. Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pulley

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poley, pully, from Anglo-French pulie, probably ultimately from Greek polos axis, pole — more at pole

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulley was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pulley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulley. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

pulley

noun
pul·​ley ˈpu̇l-ē How to pronounce pulley (audio)
plural pulleys
: a small wheel with a grooved rim used with a rope or chain to change the direction of a pulling force and in combination to increase the force applied for lifting

Medical Definition

pulley

noun
pul·​ley ˈpu̇l-ē How to pronounce pulley (audio)

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