Word
pulley
Phoneticspul·ley, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpʊɫi/
UK/pˈʊli/
Definitions
01lifting machine
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a wheel with a groove for a rope or chain, used to pull or lift heavy things.
n. a wheel with a grooved rim in which a pulled rope or chain runs, used to change the direction of a force or provide mechanical advantage.
“The workers used a pulley to lift the heavy engine out of the truck.”
“By using a system of multiple pulleys, the technician was able to hoist the heavy machinery with significantly less physical effort.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'block and tackle' when referring to a system of multiple pulleys.
Synonyms
02to lift using a wheel
C1 · Advanced Technology Technical
v. to move or lift something using a pulley system.
v. to raise, lower, or move an object by means of a pulley or system of pulleys.
“They pulleyed the supplies up to the second floor of the construction site.”
“The crew pulleyed the heavy stage equipment into the rafters before the concert began.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“The second room contains a system of wheels and pulleys, controlling the signal system which is set on a mast above the roof.” Etymology
From Middle English puly, poley, from Old French poulie, polie (“a pulley, windlass”), from Medieval Latin polidia, plural mistaken for the feminine of neuter polidium, from Ancient Greek πολίδιον (polídion, “little pivot”), diminutive of πόλος (pólos, “pivot, hinge, axis”), from Proto-Indo-European *kʷel- (“to turn”). Associated with pull (verb) by folk etymology.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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