windup

Pronunciation

• /ˈwaɪndʌp/
• wind·up

Origin

Derived from the phrasal verb "wind up" (to bring to a conclusion or to tighten by turning), dating back to the 1800s.

Meanings

1. (noun) The final or concluding part of something

   • "The windup of the meeting took longer than expected."

2. (noun) In baseball, the motion a pitcher makes before throwing the ball

   • "The pitcher had a distinctive windup that confused batters."

3. (adjective) Operated by winding a spring or key

   • "He collected windup toys from the early 1900s."

Example Sentences

• "In the windup to the election, both candidates increased their campaign efforts."
• "The toy soldier needed a windup key to march across the table."
• "His lengthy windup made him vulnerable to base stealers."

Related Words

• Forms:

  • wind up (verb)
  • wound up (past tense)
  • winding up (present participle)

• Synonyms:

  • conclusion
  • finale
  • ending
  • culmination
  • closure

Memory Tricks

• Think of a mechanical toy that needs to be "wound up" before it works - it's the preparation before the action
• In baseball, remember that the "windup" is like winding a spring before releasing energy (throwing the ball)
• Break it down: "wind" (to turn) + "up" (to completion) = bringing something to its conclusion