Wind up Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈwɪnd ʌp/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or Verb

Definition

A mechanism that produces motion or energy by the application of a force; to tighten, fasten, or adjust something by turning or winding; a toy that is designed to wind up and produce motion or sound when wound up.

Examples

• The clock is a wind-up mechanism.
• She wound up her toy car and watched it drive across the floor.

Synonyms

• Mechanism
• Ratchet

Antonyms

• Unwind
• Unlock

Additional Information

A wind-up mechanism is used to store energy and then release it, often through motion or sound. Toy wind-ups were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with examples including music boxes, clockwork toys, and trains. The term “wind-up” can also be used figuratively to describe something that is tedious, long-winded, or difficult to wind down or relax after.

Etymology

The word “wind-up” comes from the Old English words “wind” meaning “to turn” or “to twist” and “up” meaning “upwards”. This refers to the action of twisting or turning a mechanism to store energy and then release it.

Usage Notes

In British English, the term “wind up” is often used to describe the act of winding a clock or watch, while in American English, it is more commonly used to describe a toy wind-up mechanism. The verb form “to wind up” can also be used to describe the act of talking excessively or tediously.

Cultural References

Wind-ups have appeared in popular culture, such as in films, literature, and music. For example, in the Woody Allen film “The Purple Rose of Cairo”, a character plays with a wind-up toy car.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• To wind someone up – to tease or provoke someone
• To wind up tight – to become nervous or tense

Related Words or Phrases

• Main spring
• Clockwork

Collocations

• Wind up toy
• Wind up clock

Frequency of Use

The word “wind-up” is most commonly used in British English, particularly in the context of clockwork mechanisms or toys. However, it is also used in American English to describe toy wind-up mechanisms.

Common Misspellings

• Girbera
• Gerbera