haunch

noun

ˈhȯnch How to pronounce haunch (audio)
ˈhänch
1
a
: hip entry 1 sense 1a
b
: hindquarter sense 2
—usually used in plural
2
: hindquarter sense 1
3
: either side of an arch between the springing and the crown
see also:
on one's haunches

Synonyms of haunch

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Examples of haunch in a Sentence

squatted down on her haunches to get a better shot of the ducks with her camera
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dogs curled up and jammed their snouts into their haunches, to defend against the wind. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 There are many species of mongoose, but this one has dark stripes across its lower back and haunches. — Big Think, 8 May 2026 Further back, Pablo Picasso takes a gentle rest on his haunches and stares off into space. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025 With head and tail up, Copper flashed past me, and my mount Shorty gave a surprised grunt, slid back on his haunches, and almost upset me. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for haunch

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of haunch was in the 13th century

Rhymes for haunch

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Browse Nearby Words

Haumea
haunch
haunch bone
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Cite this Entry

“Haunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haunch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

haunch

noun
ˈhȯnch How to pronounce haunch (audio)
ˈhänch
1
a
: hip entry 2
b
: hindquarter sense 2
—usually used in plural
2
: hindquarter sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on haunch

Nglish: Translation of haunch for Spanish Speakers

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