# winding

/ˈwaɪndɪŋ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/winding
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. twisting or curving

adjective · CEFR B2

having many curves and turns rather than being straight.

For teachers: following a twisting or sinuous course; characterized by multiple bends or turns.

- The car drove slowly up the winding mountain road.
- The hikers followed a winding trail through the dense forest, eventually emerging at a clearing that overlooked the valley below.

### 2. indirect speech

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

describing a way of speaking or writing that is long and does not get to the point.

For teachers: of speech or writing: characterized by a lack of directness; rambling or roundabout in delivery.

- He gave a long, winding explanation that didn't really answer my question.
- The author's winding prose, while beautiful, often obscured the central theme of the narrative for less patient readers.

### 3. a turn or bend

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a single turn or bend in a road, river, or path.

For teachers: a single curve, bend, or turn in a sinuous object or path.

- We could see the windings of the river from the top of the hill.
- The ancient map meticulously detailed every winding of the coastline, providing vital information for the approaching fleet.

### 4. coiled material

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

something that is wrapped or twisted around something else, like wire in a motor.

For teachers: a length of something, such as wire or rope, that is coiled or wrapped around a core or central object.

- The mechanic checked the copper winding inside the electric motor.
- The transformer failed because the protective insulation on the primary winding had degraded over decades of continuous use.

## Examples

- The car drove slowly down the winding road.
- We spent the afternoon exploring the winding streets of the old town, eventually finding a hidden square.
- The river follows a winding course through the valley, creating a series of oxbow lakes as the water erodes the outer banks over many centuries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.