winder

English

Etymology 1

wind +‎ -er

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪndə(r)

Noun

winder (plural winders)

1. A textile worker, or machine, that winds cloth
2. A spool around which something is wound
3. A key or knob for winding a clock, watch or clockwork mechanism
4. One of the steps of a spiral staircase (as opposed to a flyer, or straight step).

Etymology 2

wind +‎ -er

Noun

winder (plural winders)

1. (slang) A blow that winds somebody, or takes away their breath.
   • 1913, D.H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers, chapter 8

     "Well!" exclaimed the miner. "That's a winder." He considered it a moment, said "H'm!" and proceeded with his dinner. Suddenly his face contracted with wrath. "I hope he may never set foot i' my house again," he said.

Etymology 3

Related to winnow.

Verb

winder (third-person singular simple present winders, present participle windering, simple past and past participle windered)

1. To fan; to clean grain with a fan.

Anagrams

• rewind