1 haunch | Definition of haunch

haunch

noun
\ ˈhȯnch How to pronounce haunch (audio) , ˈhänch\

Definition of haunch

b : hindquarter sense 2 usually used in plural
3 : either side of an arch between the springing and the crown
on one's haunches
: in a squatting position

Examples of haunch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bimbo said, and moved his haunches so Softly could get in. Colin Barrett, Harper's magazine, "The Alps," 22 July 2019 In a back room, six nude-colored bodysuits, designed to simulate a potbelly and thick haunches, hang on a rack like synthetic rotisserie chickens. Marella Gayla, BostonGlobe.com, "In Somerville, a powerhouse of custom costume-making for Boston and beyond," 4 July 2019 Those are just the latest in what promises to be a steady stream of blazes nibbling away at the Golden State’s bone-dry haunches. Patrick May, The Mercury News, "5 ways to track California’s wildfire season," 10 June 2019 Until every gov-corp was punched out and soldiers sat on their haunches in the sand, palms up like tired apes. Smith Henderson, Popular Mechanics, "Olympia," 20 Nov. 2017 Broad, low to the ground, yet trim and sleek from nose to haunches, the C-HR was an obvious departure from the conservative design concepts of the mega-selling RAV4 or Camry. John Scott Lewinski, Ars Technica, "Toyota goes beyond boring and beige with the 2018 C-HR crossover," 4 Sep. 2018 Like the Kolkata street vendor who squats on his haunches from fatigue and nausea. Somini Sengupta, The Seattle Times, "In India, summer heat could soon be unbearable — literally," 17 July 2018 The remarkable comeback complete, Belgian players mobbed the goal scorer while their Japanese opponents slumped to the ground, some to their haunches and others flat on their backs. Tariq Panja, New York Times, "World Cup 2018: Belgium Shocks Japan With Stunning Rally," 4 July 2018 The bear sat back on his haunches, his broad back leaning against the bars. Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Algren Award runner-up: "Am I Not Your Animal" by Matt Jones," 2 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'haunch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of haunch

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for haunch

Middle English haunche, from Anglo-French hanche, haunche, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch hanke haunch

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More Definitions for haunch

haunch

noun

English Language Learners Definition of haunch

: the upper part of a person's or animal's leg especially : the upper part of an animal's rear leg used as meat

haunch

noun
\ ˈhȯnch How to pronounce haunch (audio) \

Kids Definition of haunch

1 : hindquarter The dog sat on its haunches.
2 : the upper part of a person's thigh together with the back part of the hip

More from Merriam-Webster on haunch

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with haunch

Spanish Central: Translation of haunch

Nglish: Translation of haunch for Spanish Speakers