pulley: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral (used in everyday, technical, and academic contexts)
Quick answer
What does “pulley” mean?
A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, used to change the direction of a force or to lift a load.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, used to change the direction of a force or to lift a load.
A wheel on an axle or shaft designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable or belt, or transfer power between the shaft and the cable/belt, used widely in mechanical systems (e.g., engines, conveyor belts, window blinds). Figuratively, it can refer to a system of mechanisms or influences that work together.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is identical. The technical terminology in engineering is consistent.
Connotations
Identical neutral, mechanical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in technical/mechanical contexts. Slightly more common in American everyday speech due to the prevalence of garage door openers and workshop culture, but the difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “pulley” in a Sentence
[verb] + pulley: use/attach/lift with/raise by means of a pulleypulley + [verb]: rotates/turns/jams/supportspulley + [noun]: system/block/wheel/mechanismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pulley” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They managed to pulley the crates up to the loft.
- We'll need to pulley this generator onto the platform.
American English
- We had to pulley the supplies over the ravine.
- They pulleyed the air conditioner unit to the roof.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like manufacturing, logistics, or construction equipment sales.
Academic
Common in physics and engineering textbooks and lectures when discussing simple machines, forces, and mechanical advantage.
Everyday
Used in contexts involving home improvement, gym equipment (cable machines), curtains, or basic mechanics.
Technical
Core term in mechanical engineering, automotive repair (serpentine belt systems), rigging, and industrial machinery.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pulley”
- Misspelling as 'pully'.
- Incorrect pronunciation /ˈpjuː.li/.
- Confusing 'pulley' (the machine) with 'pulley' as a verb (to use a pulley).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though it's less common. It means to hoist, move, or lift something using a pulley (e.g., 'They pulleyed the supplies up the cliff face').
A pulley is primarily a wheel that guides a rope/cable. A winch is a complete device that includes a drum to wind the rope in/out, often powered, used for pulling or lifting. A winch may incorporate pulleys.
In technical rigging, a 'block' is the housing that contains one or more 'pulleys' (or sheaves). In everyday language, 'pulley' often refers to the entire assembly, so they can be used interchangeably loosely.
An idler pulley doesn't transmit power or drive a device; its sole function is to route a belt or chain, guide it, or maintain tension within a mechanical system.
A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, used to change the direction of a force or to lift a load.
Pulley is usually neutral (used in everyday, technical, and academic contexts) in register.
Pulley: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊl.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊl.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “part of the machinery (figurative, not specific to pulley)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PULL-ing an EY (pronounced 'ee') rope. You PULL with a pulLEEy.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING FORCE/EFFORT (e.g., 'The committee acted as a pulley for the new policy, transferring ideas into action').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a fixed (single) pulley?