windup

or wind-up

[ wahynd-uhp ]

noun

1. the conclusion of any action, activity, etc.; the end or close.
2. a final act or part.
3. Baseball. the preparatory movements of the arm before pitching a ball. Compare stretch ( def 22 ).
4. Informal. a mechanical object, as a toy or wristwatch, that is driven by a spring or similar mechanism that must be wound.
5. an act or instance of winding up.

Word History and Origins

Origin of windup¹

First recorded in 1565–75; noun use of verb phrase wind up

Example Sentences

James plays both Hal and Bill, twin brothers whose family is cursed by the presence of a murderous windup monkey their father brings back from a trip.

From Los Angeles Times

The biggest alteration: Ohtani has reincorporated a windup into his delivery — a change from his Angels days when he primarily pitched out of the stretch.

From Los Angeles Times

With a windup in which he would look skyward almost as if he sought guidance from a higher power, he won his first eight starts — five by shutout — shocking longtime baseball observers.

From Los Angeles Times

He joked about how he’d probably fall down if he attempted his look-to-the-heavens windup when throwing out the ceremonial first pitch opening day.

From Los Angeles Times

A new “pitch clock” limits the time the pitcher has to deliver the ball: no more than 15 seconds to start their windup or 20 with runners on base.

From Los Angeles Times