pawl

noun

ˈpȯl How to pronounce pawl (audio)
: a pivoted tongue or sliding bolt on one part of a machine that is adapted to fall into notches or interdental spaces on another part so as to permit motion in only one direction

Examples of pawl in a Sentence

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.
The front door latch pawl spring tab design is susceptible to cracking and failure over time, Ford said in a safety report filed with NHTSA. — Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 31 July 2023 The ratcheting pawls inside let the wrench spin in one direction and turn the bolt in the other. — Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

perhaps modification of Dutch pal pawl

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pawl was in 1730

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Cite this Entry

“Pawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pawl. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

pawl

noun
ˈpȯl How to pronounce pawl (audio)
: a tongue or sliding bolt on a machine part that is made to fall into notches on another part so as to permit motion in only one direction
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