Pulley: Definition, Uses & How It Works

Meaning 1：a simple machine for lifting (pulley)

pulley 🔊

/ˈpʊli/

A wheel with a groove around its edge. A rope goes around it to change the direction of a pull, making it easier to lift heavy things.

Pulley diagram: a close-up photo of a single pulley with a rope in its groove, illustrating the simple machine design.

a simple machine for lifting 🔊

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/ə ˈsɪmpəl məˈʃiːn fɔr ˈlɪftɪŋ/

A mechanical device consisting of a wheel with a groove, used with a rope or cable to change the direction of force, making it easier to lift or move heavy objects.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'poley', from Old French 'polie', related to Latin 'pulla' meaning a pulley or wheel.

💡 Mnemonic

Pull a lever with a wheel – that's a pulley!

📖 Example

At the gym, I use a pulley system to do lat pull-downs; pulling the handle down works my back muscles. 🔊 At the gym, I use a pulley system to perform lat pull-downs; pulling the handle downward exercises my back muscles.

🔗 Collocations

pulley system – a mechanical arrangement using multiple pulleys to increase force or change direction

block and tackle – a system of pulleys and ropes used for lifting heavy loads

rope pulley – a pulley specifically designed to work with a rope for lifting or pulling

🔄 Synonyms

sheave (n.) – a wheel with a groove for holding a rope or cable, often part of a pulley system

block (n.) – a casing containing one or more pulleys, used in lifting mechanisms

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old French 'polie', used since medieval times in construction. Now ubiquitous in gym equipment and industrial machinery for mechanical advantage.