wind-up

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The end or conclusion of something.

   • Everyone is invited to our end-of-term wind-up party.
   • The wind-up is, that the father becomes bankrupt; the wife and daughters town-traders; the sons Greeks, Fancy-swells, Conveyancers (pickpockets), or Cracksmen (house breakers), and the New Drop is the last drop they ever take.
   • After this long windup, Smith says, “Is there a question there, your honor?” He says it not in an evasive way, but with a smile.
2. 2

   The punch line of a joke or comedy routine.

3. 3

   A humorous attempt to fool somebody

   A humorous attempt to fool somebody; a practical joke in which the victim is encouraged to believe something untrue.

   • "Is this a wind-up, or what?" "No, no, it's true. He can really do it."
4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      The phase of making a pitch where the pitcher moves his or her arm backwards before…

      The phase of making a pitch where the pitcher moves his or her arm backwards before throwing the ball.

      • He's into his wind-up. Here comes the pitch. Strike on the inside corner!
   2. 5

      A circular hand gesture, supposed to represent the winding on of film, used to signal to…

      A circular hand gesture, supposed to represent the winding on of film, used to signal to a performer to finish quickly.

   3. 6

      Of a machine, requiring winding up in order to function.

      • Maybe you could get a wind-up toy to distract him.

The neighborhood

• neighborwind up