winding

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ How to pronounce winding (audio)
1
: material (such as wire) wound or coiled about an object (such as an armature)
also : a single turn of the wound material
2
a
: the act of one that winds
b
: the manner of winding something
3
: a curved or sinuous course, line, or progress

winding

2 of 2

adjective

: marked by winding: such as
a
: having a curved or spiral course or form
a winding stairway
b
: having a course that winds
a winding road

Examples of winding in a Sentence

Adjective a long and winding path through the woods a winding staircase leads to the top of the lighthouse
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The sprawling show — his biggest yet — unfurls as a romantic, ultimately poetic promenade through the city’s winding, cobblestone streets, historic sights and unique museums. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 28 June 2025 However, these cuts do not reflect an overall winding down of the Artemis program. New Atlas, 4 May 2025
Adjective
In addition, the watch has a stop-second function, which halts the balance wheel and seconds hand when the winding crown is pulled out, allowing for precise time adjustments. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 90 about 30 miles outside of New Orleans — on a winding, narrow stretch of the two-lane highway known as the Old Spanish Trail, per The Salina Journal. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for winding

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of winding was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Winding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winding. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

winding

1 of 2 noun
wind·​ing ˈwīn-diŋ How to pronounce winding (audio)
1
: material (as wire) wound or coiled about an object
2
: a single turn of wound material

winding

2 of 2 adjective
: marked by winding: as
a
: having a noticeable curved or spiral form
a winding staircase
b
: having a course that winds
a winding road

More from Merriam-Webster on winding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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