pawl

/pɔl/
IPA guide

Other forms: pawls

Definitions of pawl
  1. noun
    a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
    synonyms: click, detent, dog
    see moresee less
    type of:
    catch, stop
    a restraint that checks the motion of something
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘pawl'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family