Factsheet

• Word Type: Noun
• Pronunciation:
  • British English: /ˈwɪn.dər/
  • U.S. English: /ˈwaɪn.dər/ or /ˈwɪn.dər/
  • Rhyming Words: finder, grinder, binder
• Fields: Mechanics, Textile Production, Clocks, Architecture, Botany
• First Known Use: 14th century

Etymology

The word winder is derived from the Old English verb windan, meaning “to wind, twist, or turn.” Its use evolved over centuries to describe both individuals and mechanisms involved in winding or turning actions.

Meaning & Use

Definitions

1. As a Person:
   • A person who operates a machine or mechanism involving winding, such as a winch or windlass.
   • A worker responsible for winding wool, thread, or yarn in textile production.
   • Someone who winds up a clock or other mechanical device.
2. As a Thing:
   • A mechanical device or apparatus used for winding thread, rope, or other materials.
   • A step in a staircase, often triangular, forming part of a turn or corner.
   • (Obsolete) A tendril of a climbing plant or a trailing plant itself.

Quotations in Context

Winder as a Person

1. 1359:
   “Bayardours, mortermakeres, [and] wyndres [of stones].”
   — Reg. Black Prince
2. 1899:
   “Coalowners cannot work their mines without hewers and winders.”
   — Edinburgh Review
3. 1971:
   “Mathieu had a wife and children: his wife, Armelle, was a weaver also and Marie was a winder.”
   — A. Carter, Heirs of Kingdom

Winder as a Thing

1. 1398:
   “Þe ouere endes of bonez hatten verticule, as it were ‘turners or wynders.’”
   — J. Trevisa, De Proprietatibus Rerum
2. 1946:
   “Usually they [sc. stairs in the rear of the house] come down against an end wall of the house and turn at right angles at the bottom with a platform instead of winders.”
   — H. L. Williams, Old Amer. Houses

Pronunciation

• Phonetic:
  • British: /ˈwɪn.dər/
  • American: /ˈwaɪn.dər/ or /ˈwɪn.dər/
• Rhyming Words: finder, grinder, binder

The pronunciation may vary depending on the region and context, particularly distinguishing between “winding” mechanisms and architectural winders.

Examples in Everyday Use

1. Mechanical Context:
   • “The winder operated the winch to lift the heavy bucket from the mine shaft.”
2. Textile Production:
   • “The silk-winder carefully prepared the bobbins for the weaving process.”
3. Clock Maintenance:
   • “The town winder climbed the tower weekly to wind up the old clock.”