pulley

noun

pul·​ley ˈpu̇-lē 

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

• pulley 2

Examples of pulley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phelan prefers the old-fashioned approach using ropes, slings, pulleys and a bosun's chair – initially just a short wooden plank held up by ropes, now more elaborate and safer work seats. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

Bobby rescues the passenger with a rudimentary pulley system, which feels both perilous and ingenious. —Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024

At a site just upstream from the inn, Hampton tied a rope to a railroad tie, ran it through a pulley attached to the claw of a bulldozer and clamped the other end to this raft. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

This in itself is connected to a big pulley attached to the engine via a belt. —New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing pulley

• idler pulley

Kids Definition

pulley

noun

pul·​ley ˈpu̇l-ē 

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 

: trochlea