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

Civic groups claim authorities also removed the ropes and pulley systems that the miners used to enter and exit a shaft and send down supplies. —Mogomotsi Magome and Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025

This home gym includes a weight stack, adjustable pulleys, and a V-shape design. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025

During the extraction, the coal is placed in boxes that are hoisted to the surface with pulleys. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

When the weather suits, the fabric facades can be raised using a manual pulley system, to open it up to the outside. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 26 Dec. 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